OBITUARY
James LeRoy Gardner
December 12, 1917 – November 1, 2013
James "Jim" L. Gardner
James L. Gardner, 95 went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 1, 2013 at 5:54pm - six weeks shy of his 96th birthday.
Jim was born on December 12, 1917 in Wonewac, Wisc. He met his wife Della M. Jones-Gardner of 76 years while attending a town dance in Hillsboro, Wisc. at the tender ages of 15 and 12. They walked home that night (in front of her parents of course) holding hands, and have remained that way for 81 years. Jim and Della married on August 21, 1937 at 19 and 16 years of age. Jim was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in WWII (1942-48). Around 1949 Jim, Della and two daughters moved to Chicago, IL which began the growth of his family (ten children in all). In 1963 Jim loaded up the wagon and moved to Colorado Springs with Della and their 8 out of 10 children. Jim was quite the entrepreneur for a former farm boy with an 8th grade education. He opened up Jamesway Carwash, Jim & Della's convenient store and Jim 's Liquors, all located on Fillmore St. Next were the 30th Street Carwash and four laundromats.
On April 8, 1973 Jim Gardner began his new life with Jesus Christ. Jim and Della along with their younger children, became active members of First Assembly of God on Bijou St. Jim was a Sunday School teacher and served on the bus ministry that brought children from Ft. Carson to sunday school jim was also instrumental with the construction of the new church building (1977), now known as Living Hope Worship Center 640 Manitou Blvd. Colorado Springs.
In 1981 -2003 Jim and Della retired to Clearwater, Florida. They were active members of their church family at First Assembly of God on Martin Luther King Blvd. Jim was a greeter, Leader of Super Seniors ministry and and a father and grandpa to many. Summer of 2003 Jim and Della moved back to Colorado Springs to be near their large family. The last 6 years Jim and Della were active members of Calvary Church on S. 25th St.- Pastor William Kennedy.
Jim was a man of great character and conviction. He truly lived by Jesus' words, "Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength; love your neighbor as yourself". Jim's final seconds on this earth ended with his arms and face stretched towards heaven before he took his final breath.
Jim was proceeded by his daughter Renee' E. Gardner. He is survived by his wife Della Gardner "Lady Della; Love" of 76 years. His five daughters and four sons - Cynthia Flanagan (COS), Sheila Murphy (COS), Gary Gardner (FL), Harry Gardner (COS), James Gardner (SC), Debbie Leiting (COS), Randy Gardner (COS), Teresa Metts (COS) and Tricia Gonzalez (VA). Jim is also survived by his 21 grand children and 22 great grand children.
Jim's Celebration of Life service will be held at Living Hope Worship Center 640 Manitou Blvd, Colorado Springs 80904. Saturday, November 9, 2013 Visitation 11am- 12pm Service 12pm Graveside immediately following service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery 3825 Airport Rd. (and Academy Blvd.) Colorado Springs
In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts made to: Calvary Church 917 S. 25th St. Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Services
- Visitation Saturday, November 9, 2013
- Funeral Service Saturday, November 9, 2013
REMEMBERING
James LeRoy Gardner
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RECEIVE UPDATESBrenda kuske
July 21, 2014
He will never be forgotten. A great man. Our hearts are with the family.
Brenda kuske
July 21, 2014
You will always be loved and missed.
Judy Metts
November 23, 2013
Lighting a candle for a wonderful man..
Debra Gran
November 12, 2013
Prayers to the family. I knew Mr Gardner first at his 30th street carwash. I became friends with Debbie Jim & Knew Renee.What a wonderful family. May God give you strength.. Debbie Gran
November 10, 2013
Your lives are a true and rare testimony to a real love story. The last few times they visited Flordia Gary and I enjoyed their company so much. Going to church, eating at the diner Staceys and palying games. God Bless the entire Gardner family. Garys gal,Penny
Debbie Leiting and Leiting family
November 9, 2013
Mrs. Gardner, Debbie, and your entire family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your Husband, Dad and Grandpa. He will always be remembered with love and will be with you forever.
Leland & Carol Schaad
November 9, 2013
We learned of Jim's passing in Branson this week from Roy Moore at Barbara Fairchild's show. We send our love to Della and all the family. Jim and Della attended the Silver Saints in St Pete, FL on Mondays. We are grateful to know them and enjoyed listening to their many testimonies. Heaven and earth are both richer because of his life well lived.
Leland and Carol Schaad
Toni and Dick Feasel
November 9, 2013
So saddened to hear about the death of your father Cindy. May you gain peace in knowing he is secure in God's arms. Love Toni and Dick
November 8, 2013
What a wonderful legacy and evidence of a changed life this man and his family have. My heart goes out to all the family in their loss. May the legacy and love that he and his bride exemplified carry you through and encourage you to keep the Faith. Respectfully, Kathy Newcomb
Michael Rogers
November 8, 2013
My condolences to the Gardner Family for their loss.
John and Belinda Gruitch
November 8, 2013
Teresa, Tricia and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Patty Szeredy
November 7, 2013
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family. May you find comfort in knowing that your Grandpa is with the Lord he worshipped. I believe he was met with open arms in Heaven.
May God Bless you as you mourn your loss.
Ray & Nancy Fassbender
November 7, 2013
Here is one more picture that is of us at the Arizona Opry
Nancy Fassbender
November 7, 2013
He will always have a special place in our hearts. He and Aunt Della have beautiful children who we have had the pleasure to visit in our travels. Uncle Jim & Aunt Della have paved some great memories. We are glad we had the pleasure to be part of their lives. Ray & Nancy Fassbender
Sharon Zak
November 6, 2013
Doreen & Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Grandpa.
Remember all the memories you had with him. God Bless.
November 6, 2013
What a wonderfu life and beautiful family.God bless you all. David Rockers,Rock Falls,Il.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF