James Thomas Gardner

James Thomas Gardner of Eagle River was born in Milwaukee, WI to Richard and Jessie Gardner on April 16, 1936.
With parental permission, Jim enlisted in the Army at age 17. Following basic training he became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne; a move he always proudly claimed "made me a man".
In 1957 Jim married Edith (Edie) Stein, daughter of Joseph and Ethel Stein of Eagle River at St. Peters Catholic Church on Wall Street. They made their home in Greenfield, WI where Jim was employed at Louis Allis Co., a manufacturer of specialty electric motors. With purpose and drive, Jim rose from the stockroom to management, where he retired as the Customer Service Manager. Following his retirement, Jim and his brother, Bob, bought a confectionary business in West Allis called Half Nuts. Jim was never happier in his work. After five successful years they sold the business and he retired for the last time.
In 1996 Jim and Edie moved to Eagle River where they enjoyed the woods, the water and visits from family and friends. Jim was active in the Eagle River Historical Society. He was instrumental in developing a military display at the Museum, loaning much of his military memorabilia. A "hands on" favorite was his huge 1950s parachute. Students from area schools loved spreading it out on the museum floor and enveloping themselves in it.
Jim remained a vocal advocate of the 82nd Airborne, arranging and sponsoring a parachute jump by the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Freefall Team from Fort Bragg, NC for the 2012 Fly-in at the Eagle River airport He was also privileged to be on the Honor Flight last May.
Jim died October 10, 2023, of cancer at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, WI. He is survived by his wife, Edith, brothers; Robert (Joyce) and Kenneth (Mary Ellen), five children; Jim Jr. (Ann), Kelly (Mike), Shari (Ron), Terry (Jeff) and David (Cindy); nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service with military honors will be held in the spring.
The family would appreciate memorials in James' name to any of the following: Vilas County Food Pantry, Eagle River Historical Society or Badger State Chapter 82nd Airborne Association.