James E. Gardner

Mr. Gardner was born December 19, 1938 in Philadelphia, MS., the son of Ed Reed & Carrie Lorraine Luke Gardner.

He grew up in Carthage, MS, and graduated from Jefferson Military Academy, in Marion, AL. Mr. Gardner attended Mississippi State University where he received his Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering. He was stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base in Val Verde Texas, where he received his pilot training. Mr. Gardner moved to Palm Coast in 1978, and was President and CEO of ITT Community Development Corporation (Palm Coast). Mr. Gardner was very active in the community. He was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Flagler County, where he started the Matanzas High School mentor program at Princess Place Preserve, former Chairman of the Board of Daytona State College, Memorial Hospital, Enterprise Flagler, Florida Chamber Economic Affairs, and United Way of Flagler County. He also served as a board member of Consolidated Tomoka Land Company, Barnett Bank of Volusia; UF Whitney Lab and Pinnacle Bank. He also received the Harold S. Geneen Award presented to him by ITT. Mr. Gardner was a seasoned pilot with many hours in both Jet (Air National Guard) and small planes. In addition to flying, he also enjoyed golfing, fishing and watching the Florida Gators. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, three sons, and especially his 6 grandchildren.

Mr. Gardner is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Alice Jan Jenkins, whom he married May 9, 1958. Three sons, James E. (Lisa) Gardner, II., of Flagler Beach, Jon (Cathleen) Gardner of Gainesville, FL., and Jed (Nancy) Gardner of Flagler Beach. One sister, Reedia Minshew of Carthage MS. Six grandchildren, James III., Adam, Morgan, Allie, Jon Michael, and Katie. He also leaves his beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Charlie.

Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South in Flagler Beach, where services will be held Thursday at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Daytona State College Foundation, 1200 W. Int’l Speedway Blvd. Bldg. 100 / Ste. 302 Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. Or by visiting www.DaytonaState.edu/Foundation