Jimmy Gardner

Jimmy Gardner

Jimmy Gardner passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 18, 2021 at the age of 94 at his home in Sarasota, Florida.

He led a life of purpose and vigor, with an education career spanning over 40 years, 33 years as a beloved high school chemistry teacher, including AP Chemistry and helped develop a 3 year integrated science course that was exclusively taught at Millburn H.S. He was at various times the tennis and fencing coach at Millburn High School. He started the fencing team at Millburn. He was proud to serve as a past-president of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association and in the American Chemical Society as a teacher affiliate. He was New Jersey's very first AP Chemistry teacher. He was a Fullbright Teaching Fellow in York England in 1962-63 and taught again in New Zealand on a teacher exchange in 1982.

Known for his big heart and generous nature, Jimmy was also quick-witted and quick-footed — especially on a tennis court — a savvy bridge and pinochle player, and became an avid numismatist in his retirement. He blended his keen sense of adventure with his desire to constantly improve his teaching by taking his family on road trips to all corners of the country to attend NSF Institutes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jeanette Gardner, his children Jeffrey Gardner, Maureen Gardner (Jack Olsen), and Lisa Gardner-Springer (Colin); his grandchildren Miriam Olsen, Rachel Springer, and Emily Springer; his many nephews and nieces; and his dear friends.

A World War II Army Air Forces veteran, Jimmy will be honored at a celebration of his life at Sarasota National Cemetery on August 23rd at 10 am.

In remembrance of his life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Tidewell Hospice (tidewellhospice.org), which provided him and our family with attentive care for the past six months.