James (Jim) L. Gardner, 71 of Lopez Island, WA passed away October 24, 2007 after a 2-year fight with cancer. Jim was born in Hooker, Oklahoma and moved to California during the Dust Bowl Era. Jim graduated from Scappoose High School in 1954. In 1956, he joined the Coast Guard and was a radar and sonar operator for two years on the USCGC Winona. Jim considered Lopez Island, WA his home since 1964.
In 1977 Jim was hired by Orcas Power and Light Company, and eventually worked his way from Lineman to General Foreman. He also served the island community by volunteering on the San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom and other Inter-Island Counties Intermediate School District for 12 years and acted as the volunteer fire chief for seven years.
Jim retired in 2001 so that he could spend more time visiting family. He volunteered with the Lions and Elks Clubs, attended class and Coast Guard reunions, and displayed his love for swing dancing whenever the opportunity presented itself. He was an avid dancer, and many times he and his partner would clear the dance floor showing off. He enjoyed cooking, and took every opportunity to cook for his friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James (Frida) and Bernice A. Gardner and his son Ron Gardner. He is survived by his sons, James Keith Gardner of Kelso, WA, Shane Gardner of Vancouver, WA, his daughter, Gail Sprenger of Tampa, FL, his brother Carrol and sister Leah, seven grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces an nephews. His family was precious to him and he spent many miles traveling to visit them.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. at The Galley on Lopez Island.
In 1977 Jim was hired by Orcas Power and Light Company, and eventually worked his way from Lineman to General Foreman. He also served the island community by volunteering on the San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom and other Inter-Island Counties Intermediate School District for 12 years and acted as the volunteer fire chief for seven years.
Jim retired in 2001 so that he could spend more time visiting family. He volunteered with the Lions and Elks Clubs, attended class and Coast Guard reunions, and displayed his love for swing dancing whenever the opportunity presented itself. He was an avid dancer, and many times he and his partner would clear the dance floor showing off. He enjoyed cooking, and took every opportunity to cook for his friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James (Frida) and Bernice A. Gardner and his son Ron Gardner. He is survived by his sons, James Keith Gardner of Kelso, WA, Shane Gardner of Vancouver, WA, his daughter, Gail Sprenger of Tampa, FL, his brother Carrol and sister Leah, seven grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces an nephews. His family was precious to him and he spent many miles traveling to visit them.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. at The Galley on Lopez Island.
James (Jim) L. Gardner, 71 of Lopez Island, WA passed away October 24, 2007 after a 2-year fight with cancer. Jim was born in Hooker, Oklahoma and moved to California during the Dust Bowl Era. Jim graduated from Scappoose High School in 1954. In 1956, he joined the Coast Guard and was a radar and sonar operator for two years on the USCGC Winona. Jim considered Lopez Island, WA his home since 1964.
In 1977 Jim was hired by Orcas Power and Light Company, and eventually worked his way from Lineman to General Foreman. He also served the island community by volunteering on the San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom and other Inter-Island Counties Intermediate School District for 12 years and acted as the volunteer fire chief for seven years.
Jim retired in 2001 so that he could spend more time visiting family. He volunteered with the Lions and Elks Clubs, attended class and Coast Guard reunions, and displayed his love for swing dancing whenever the opportunity presented itself. He was an avid dancer, and many times he and his partner would clear the dance floor showing off. He enjoyed cooking, and took every opportunity to cook for his friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James (Frida) and Bernice A. Gardner and his son Ron Gardner. He is survived by his sons, James Keith Gardner of Kelso, WA, Shane Gardner of Vancouver, WA, his daughter, Gail Sprenger of Tampa, FL, his brother Carrol and sister Leah, seven grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces an nephews. His family was precious to him and he spent many miles traveling to visit them.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. at The Galley on Lopez Island.
In 1977 Jim was hired by Orcas Power and Light Company, and eventually worked his way from Lineman to General Foreman. He also served the island community by volunteering on the San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom and other Inter-Island Counties Intermediate School District for 12 years and acted as the volunteer fire chief for seven years.
Jim retired in 2001 so that he could spend more time visiting family. He volunteered with the Lions and Elks Clubs, attended class and Coast Guard reunions, and displayed his love for swing dancing whenever the opportunity presented itself. He was an avid dancer, and many times he and his partner would clear the dance floor showing off. He enjoyed cooking, and took every opportunity to cook for his friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James (Frida) and Bernice A. Gardner and his son Ron Gardner. He is survived by his sons, James Keith Gardner of Kelso, WA, Shane Gardner of Vancouver, WA, his daughter, Gail Sprenger of Tampa, FL, his brother Carrol and sister Leah, seven grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces an nephews. His family was precious to him and he spent many miles traveling to visit them.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. at The Galley on Lopez Island.
Bio by: Judie Latshaw Huff
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