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James Gardner Obituary
Dad loved automobiles and boats and for 30 years Dad spent every day working in the automobile industry doing what he loved to do. For many years, our family spent every Sunday boating at Portage Lakes, always departing from and returning to the same dock at Dusty's Landing. Dad attended St. Augustine Church and faithfully served in the Usher Ministry for 25 years. Family mattered most to Dad.
Surviving are his children, Patricia Zellia (Joseph), James (Jacqueline), and Rebecca Gantz (Matthew); grandchildren, Joseph Zellia, Phillip Zellia, Candace Gardner-Hughes (Michael), Casey Gantz (Jeff Ostholthoff), Bradley Gantz, and Holly Love (Dustin); great-grandchildren, Nicholas Zellia and Cameron Hughes. Dad's brothers, William (Joan) and Robert (Rebecca) and in-laws, Barbara Speakman and John Weaver (Beatrice), also survive as well as many nieces and nephews. Dad was preceded in death by his parents; his bride of 54 years, Aletha (nee Weaver); his grand-daughter, Kathy Bellett Zellia, and his faithful buddy, Teddy.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Glenn Black and all of the great Barberton-Summa nurses who cared for Dad during his illness. Thank you!
Mass of the Christian Burial TUESDAY, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 195 7th Street NW, Barberton with Fr. David Majikis officiating. Burial with Military Honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. Friends may call MONDAY, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial in Dad's memory to the St. Augustine Endowment Fund or to The American Cancer Society (to be designated for the benefit of Team Angels Among Us Relay For Life Team).
Thanks for so many great memories, Dad! We love you. Rest in peace now.
Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356 www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Gardner
Tawnya Nichols
December 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Jim was our landlord when we lived on 7th Street when I was a kid. He was always such a nice man. may you find peace and comfort in all the great memories you have of him.
Vickie Roy-Sneddon
December 12, 2012
Jim & Jacqui, I just saw this today. My heart breaks to know you have to go through this.
Sending love and strength.
Love you,
Vickie Roy-Sneddon
Theresa Osborne
December 10, 2012
Jim and family,
You are in my families thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in your memories and knowing that your father is at peace.
With Sympathy,
JOHN AND SUE SWAINO
December 10, 2012
BOB AND BECKY-I remember Jim as a usher at St Augustine' s Church, he was always a nice and kind person. May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy God ,rest in peace.
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December 10, 2012
Dear Gardner Family,
growing up with your family as neighbors is part of my cherished memories. Mr and Mrs Gardner were such good friends and neighbors to my parents. Many good memories were made growing up with Patty, Mick and Becky. We share a past that makes you like family to me. Always respected your parents and after the passing of your Mom and my Father, I worried more about Jim and appreciated his friendship to Mom. I know they checked on each other and it was comforting to know they were still neighbors. he will be greatly missed for his kindness and smile. My heartfelt sympathies to you. As well as from my family...Love and prayers
Pam Ciccolini
Jennifer Mrosko
December 10, 2012
My Family,
I will always remember Great Uncle Jim for his smile and chuckle. Hold on to your memories for comfort and always remember how much you are loved. Sending my love even though we aren't able to be there, we are thinking of you!!
Love,
Jenny, Mike, Aubrey and Peyton ((Peterman)Mrosko)
Nancy DeBord
December 9, 2012
Mr Gardner was such a great man. He was so nice to everyone, and I respected him a great deal! It was a pleasure to know him...he will be greatly missed!
Marie (LeBerth) Nettle
December 9, 2012
Family of Jim:
Remembering Jim from my school days in Canal Fulton when he was a friend of my older brother. Jim and Aletha sometimes double dated with my brother and his girlfriend. We lived in the same neighborhood as the Weaver family. Even though I was the "little sister", Jim was always so nice and kind to me. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to someone I remember, after all these years, as a very special guy.
Colleen Lim
December 8, 2012
Mom is so sorry to hear about Jimmy. All she could say was how much she loved him and how sweet he was. Mom is unable to travel from Centerville, OH to attend the memorial and burial. She did want me to tell you that she is having a Mass said for Jimmy at her favorite Mission in California. God Bless all of you from Mom and me.
Rose Marie Doyle and Colleen (Matheney) Lim
December 8, 2012
Sorry for the loss of your Father:
We never had the pleasure of meeting him, but may he rest in peace.
Sincerely, Valerie & Jake Perry
Larry Byron
December 7, 2012
Quiet and friendly to all and a good role model for me. Rest in peace.
Barb Wolfe
December 7, 2012
Pat and Family
Sorry about the death of your Dad. He was a very kind and loving person and I was lucky to get to be a part of your family and enjoying many family outings with you and your dad. I can remember as a kid my dad buying cars from him. My dad always said what a true gentlemen he was. Just want you to know you are in my thoughts and heart.
Love Barb Wolfe
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Swigart Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton624 Cherry Street East, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
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