James Gardner

JAMES RICHARD GARDNER

James Richard Gardner, age 58, of Kahoka, MO, died Friday, August 9, 2013 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA.

Jim was born March 23, 1955 in Keokuk, IA, a son of Donald Richard and Delora Alderton Gardner.

Survivors include his mother, Delora, of Kahoka, MO; two brothers, Dan Gardner of Grimes, IA and Scott (Angie) Gardner of Des Moines, IA; two sisters, Terry (Mike) Reed of Grimes, IA and Pat (Mike) Inman of Ottumwa, IA; nieces and nephews and their families: Damien (Kelly) Verwers of DeSota, IA, Valorie (David) Peitzman of Grimes, IA, Katie Reed of Grimes, IA, Matt (Leah) Inman of Faribault, MN, James Inman of Fargo, ND, Brian (Dee) Inman of Sigourney, IA, and, April and Ashley Gardner and Cody Kennard, all of Des Moines, IA; aunts and uncles: Verlin (Sylvia) Alderton of Bella Vista, AR, Merlin (Anita) Alderton of Mattoon, IL, Dorthea (Lee) Mathias of Kahoka, Marilyn (Everett) Boice of Neosho, MO, Jo Anne Shaw of Kahoka, Willa (Herb) Doty of Kahoka, Bill (Paula) Gardner of Jacksonville, FL, Dennis (Zarina) Bergman of Kahoka, and Gene (Linda) Yates of Revere; two great aunts, Alice Parsons of Kahoka and Juanita Parsons of Columbus, GA; as well as numerous cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents: Richard and Alberta Gardner and Lloyd and Marguerite Alderton; sister, Carol,at birth in 1965; and aunt, Sharon Bergman.

He graduated from high school in Webster City, IA and received his associates degree in education from Iowa Central Community College.

He was in the U. S. Navy for eight years, serving four of them at Camp David during the Ford and Carter administrations. He was in the reserves for a number of years following his discharge. He was very active in both the American Legion and V.F.W. at Webster City, IA.

He was employed by the Webster City Parks and Recreation from 1983 until 1997 when he moved to Kahoka to care for his parents. He worked two years for Ferguson's Plumbing Supply in Keokuk, IA and then began his own business, "Jim's Household Repair". He was also a part-time rural mail carrier in Clark County.

Jim loved being out doors whether it was gardening, canoeing, or hunting mushrooms. He was a former Boy Scout and continued sharing his knowledge and talent as a Scout Leader. He was a caretaker for his mom following his father's death and helped his aunts and many elderly people in the community. He loved ice cream, car rides around the area, and breakfast every morning at the restaurant. Although he never had children of his own, he was very supportive of his nieces, nephews and cousins and looked out for all of them up until the day he died.

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Peaksville Christian Church with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. Assisting was Pastor Herb Doty and eulogist, Mr. Verlin Alderton.

Burial with military rites was in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to Mercy Hospice or the Peaksville Christian Church.

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