James Allen Gardner, age 77, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, at home, Jeromesville, Ohio.
James the youngest of four, was born April 28, 1948 in Ashland, Ohio to the late Kenneth Joseph & Portia Elizabeth Geary Gardner.
Jim attended Montgomery Elementary School, Ashland, Ohio, making many lifetime great friends. He continued his education at Ashland Jr. High, and graduating at Ashland High School, Ashland, Ohio, in the Class of “1966”.
Jim and Janice Catherine Hershey were married on June 12, 1971, at Grace Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio, with Rev. Knute Larson officiating. Their love for each other continued for 54 years together, making memories with their two sons, Kyle & Chad.
Jim was employed at The Timken Company in Ashland, Ohio for 29 + years, including one year 1980 – 1981, at The Timken Company in Bucyrus, Ohio. He received numerous certificates and honors during his career and also after he was promoted to Supervisor. He continued working there after The Timken Company had sold the plant, in 2002. He retired from Red Head Brass LLC., Shreve, Ohio in April 2013.
Jim used to race his first car, a“HOT” and “FAST” “55” Chevy at Dragway 42, West Salem, Ohio winning trophies. He enjoyed attending NASCAR races. He was an assistant coach during the time his sons played in Little League.
Jim enjoyed wood working, especially doing beautiful scroll saw items and Intarsia. He would make whistles and give them to the Amish children, along with balls and candy. They would wait for his truck when he would go past their house, on his way home from work for treats.
Jim enjoyed time with family and traveling, enjoying trips to Hawaii, Niagara Falls, watching the Atlantis Space Shuttle ascend, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park, and the National Parks in Utah.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving and devoted wife, Janice Gardner, of Jeromesville, Ohio, and two sons; Kyle (Stephanie) Gardner of Seattle, WA; Chad Gardner, of Jeromesville, and granddaughters, Natalie and Emmaline of Seattle, WA.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters.
He will be greatly missed by his nieces, Susan Blakesley of Apex, NC., and Heather Gardner of Rock Hill, SC.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Gardner (9-16-1968) & Portia Geary Gardner (10-7-1979), brother Thomas Steven Gardner (5-17-1984), sisters: Janis Eileen Gardner Dipzinski (4-21-1996), and Carol Elizabeth Gardner Paine (8-1-1999). Jim was the last survivor of his family.
The family will receive Visitors, Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:00 P. M. till 8:00 P. M. at Denbow & Gasche Funeral Home, 313 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio. Graveside services will be at Vermillion Cemetery, Hayesville, Ohio, Saturday, March 21 , 2026 at 2:00 P. M. with Rev. Tim Briggs, officiating.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com