James Norbert Gardner

James Norbert Gardner, a lifelong resident of Columbia, Mississippi, passed from this life into God’s presence on Monday, May 9, 2022 at the age of 60. He was a heavy equipment operator and road construction foreman with Joe McGee Construction Company. James was a hard worker who enjoyed dirt work and farming. His leisure time was spent fishing and loving on his grandchildren. He was a member of East Columbia Baptist Church and actively shared his faith with everyone who would listen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Elizabeth Gardner; a sister, Betty Gardner; and a nephew, Steven Gardner. James is survived by his wife, Melissa Gardner; a daughter, Heather Hardee and her husband, Ken; and three grandchildren, Austin Rowell, Kade Stringer, and Hunter Beth Hardee.

There will be a visitation for James at Colonial Funeral Home on Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 10:00am until 12:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend James Bell, will be in the funeral home chapel at 12:00pm. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery with Paul Spence, John Kinerd, Stan Pinson, Tommy Moore, Jessie Hodges, and Scotty Fortenberry assisting as pallbearers. Austin Rowell and Kade Stringer will serve as honorary pallbearers.