James Richard Gardiner

James Richard Gardiner passed away peacefully on October 23, 2017 at Universal Hospice in Fort Worth, TX. He was born November 20, 1943 in Houston, TX. In his early years, he moved to Seattle, Washington where he graduated from Ballard High School. Upon graduation, Jim enlisted in the Army in 1962 and served in Germany until 1965. He met Denny Anderson at TCU in 1966 and they married the following year. In 1970, they welcomed their first daughter, Patty. This was followed with Heather in 1973, Samantha in 1982 and Jymmie in 1984.

Jim spent many years as successful entrepreneur of Jim’s Auto Electric. He was active in many service organizations including Girl Scout Leader of Troop #115, he served several officer positions of Forest Hill Lions Club, but one of his greatest joys was playing Santa Claus to children and the elderly with the organization Santa USA. Jim loved 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, John Wayne movies and military documentaries. In his free time, he found delightment in building models such as soap box derby cars, planes, and boats.

Jim is survived by his children Patty Gay, Heather Gardiner, Samantha Gardiner, Jymmie Miller and her husband Nathan Miller, and their mother Denny Anderson. His grandchildren Nicholas James (22), Abigail Marie (14), Madison Elizabeth (12), Bryce Alan (12) and Lance Anderson (8). His brother Max Gardiner, Jr and family, sister-in-law Linda Gardiner, nephew William “Bill” Gardiner, Jr. and family, sister Jeannene Ward and long-time partner Christine McCommas. He is preceded in death by his father Maxwell Gardiner, Sr., mother Gladys Gardiner, and his brother William “Bill” Gardiner, Sr.

Memorial Service

Shannon Rose Hill Chapel

October 26, 2017 at 11:00am