James Riley Gardner

James R. Gardner (Baldy), age 86, passed away November 9, 2026 at his home in Pace, FL. He was born in Oxford, Mississippi on September 30, 1940. He joined the Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, SC upon graduating high school. When he returned from service, he joined his uncle’s electric company and was an electrician all of his life, working the Pensacola area. He was great at gardening, enjoyed fishing all our local streams, and frying up mullet for family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his wife Joan Lackey Gardner, a brother, John R. Gardner of Brandon, Mississippi, and his parents, John Clarence and Frances Hudson Gardner of Oxford, Mississippi. James is survived by three daughters, Diane Cronley Thompson (Woody), Beth Cronley Rankin (Steve), and Susan Cronley, and three grandchildren, Tyler Thompson, Jaden (Kennedy) Thompson, and Levi Shelby. James leaves three sisters, Carolyn Cotton of Milton, Florida, Kay (Jerry) Bishop of Oxford, Mississippi, and Dianne (Mickey) Nelson of Oxford, Mississippi, and many nieces and nephews. James also leaves behind close friends, Stacey Manning and Mark Hamilton who have stood by his side for many years.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lynn Hardy for the loving care, compassion, and devotion she has provided for James. Special thanks are extended to the nurses and supportive care personnel of Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional empathetic support.

The Gardner family wishes to thank his daughters and sons-in-law for all the time and care provided since he lost his beloved wife.

Graveside burial services will be at Bayview Fisher-Pou Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola, Florida on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James’ memory to Hadji Shriners, 800 W. 9 Mile Road, Pensacola, FL.