James Duane Gardner

Jim was born on July 29th, 1938, to Annie Pearl (Giles) Gardner and John Andrew Gardner in Colville, WA. He was the youngest of seven children. All preceded him in death.

He spent his early days moving throughout Eastern Washington working in the woods with his family’s logging company. When the family settled in Spokane Washington, he completed his secondary education and graduated from West Valley High School in 1956.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He met the love of his life; Judith Marie (Miller) Gardner while she was still attending West Valley High School. They were married in 1959 at Zion Lutheran in Millwood, Washington. After more than 40 years together, Judy preceded Jim in death in April of 1999.

Jim is survived by son Scott Duane Gardner of Desert Hot Springs California, daughter Susan Marie Gardner of Renton, Washington, and his grandson, Tyler James Gardner of Stanwood, Washington. Jim is also survived by family members throughout Washington State.

Jim worked in the Food Processing Industry in Spokane, before moving to Renton, Washington in 1964. There he began his career of 35 years working for the USDA as a Food and Meat Safety Inspector. He retired in 1995 to spend time with Judy during her final journey with cancer.

After his retirement, he spent time as principal at Gardner Consultants, where he continued to provide his knowledge and expertise to the meat and food industry, again keeping the food chain safe for his community.

He was an avid fisherman and a fan of the Seattle Mariners. Jim spent nearly 50 years supporting his community with various organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Western Bass Club, C.A.S.T for Kids, and Seattle Children’s. He was an honorary member of the Sons of Italy. He was a local Little League Grandpa, always on hand supporting his Grandson Tyler and his friends. He drove to and from games and arranged for food and drink for the annual picnics. He was loved by all who knew him.

A Graveside Internment was held at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Renton Washington on Friday, June 9th, 2023, at 2 p.m.

A Celebration of Life for the larger community will take place during the Summer of 2023 at a date, time, and location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Children’s Hospital Foundation in Seattle Washington.