James Gardner

1931 - 2025

James Edward Gardner, 94, was born in 1931 in Montebello, California, to James D. Gardner and Cora Margaretta Gardner. He graduated from South Gate High School in 1949 and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Upon returning home, Jim attended Compton College, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Dahlem. They married in 1956 and shared 69 wonderful years together. Jim went on to earn a degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Los Angeles State College.

He began a long and distinguished career with Los Angeles County, serving for 40 years-25 of them as a Court Clerk. After retiring, Jim and Phyllis moved to Grover Beach, where he continued his service with the San Luis Obispo County Courts, ultimately becoming CEO and serving in that role for eight years before his final retirement.

Jim believed deeply in community service and giving back. He volunteered more than 2,000 hours at Sierra Vista Hospital and was a devoted member of Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande, where he served as a Deacon for four years, worked on the grounds crew for 14 years, and ushered for 25 years.

He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, daughter Janet (Jeff), son Ed (Diane), grandchildren Amanda, Zach (Alex), Brian (Ambar), and Imogen, great-grandchildren Oliver and Maddy, and half sister Marian Christopher. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Cora Margaretta, his stepfather Virgil Talbott, and his half sister Diana.

A military service will be held at Arroyo Grande Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, followed by a memorial service at Grace Bible Church at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Military Care Packages, P.O. Box 1349, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421.