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