James C. "Jimmy" Gardner

The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 2 pm at Collier Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, in Gadsden, AL. Norman Flynn and Blake Jones of Rainbow Drive Church of Christ will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm at Collier Butler Funeral Home on Sunday, September 22. Burial will follow the funeral at Crossville, Alabama Cemetery at 4:00 pm. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Collier Butler Funeral Home of Gadsden.

Jimmy was born in Albertville, AL on August 27, 1926. He graduated from Crossville High School and attended Snead Junior College. James served in the Army during World War II in the Phillipines and in Japan.

Jimmy was married to his high school sweetheart, Martha Ellen Frasier on December 24, 1943; they were married 69 years.

Jimmy worked as an Insurance Agent and District Manager for Liberty National Life Insurance Company for 32 years. He retired as District Manager of the Gadsden office in 1987. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid Tennessee Walking Horse trainer and exhibitor. He loved traveling in his motor home especially to see his Auburn Tigers play football. He was also actively involved in the National Association of Life Underwriters where he served as local President and National Committeeman. Jimmy served on the Gadsden United Way Board and was an active member and past Deacon at Rainbow Drive Church of Christ. He was also a gospel music lover and bass singer in various quartets.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Martha, children Wayne Gardner(Susan) of Mobile,and Susan Mullinax of Hokes Bluff. Grandchildren Greg Gardner and Holly Gardner of Mobile, Kevin Evans of Hokes Bluff, Mandy Jaggers of Hokes Bluff and Matthew Mullinax of Hokes Bluff. Three great grand children Kourtney, Jalyn, and Grayson. Survived by niece Freda Coker of Crossville, nephew Butch Gardner(Melinda) of Southside, nephew Frank Rains(Ethlyn) of Springfield, TN and other family and friends.

Jimmy is preceded in death by parents Patrick and Ila Gardner, brothers Irby and Corby Gardner, sister Niva Morrison, and daughter Mary Floyd. .

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Rainbow Drive Church of Christ Mission Fund, 2201 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901. Pallbearers will be the Elders and Deacons of Rainbow Drive Church of Christ. Honorary pallbearers are the retired employees of Liberty National, Adult Bible Class at Rainbow Drive Church of Christ, and Friends from Regency Pointe Retirement Community. Special thanks to Dr. Sancheti, Dr. Szito, Dr. Kwan, and Dr. Torregosa and to the staff at Gadsden Health and Rehab and Lawley Premier Hospice Care for the outstanding care given to James during his extended illness.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com