James Joseph Gardner

Our loving father, James Gardner, passed away December 6, 2012. Dad was born May 20, 1932 to Joseph and Mary (Byron) Gardner in Warwick, Ohio, graduated from Clinton High School, served in the United States Navy, and married our Mother on October 9, 1954.

Dad loved automobiles and boats and for 30 years Dad spent every day working in the automobile industry doing what he loved to do. For many years, our family spent every Sunday boating at Portage Lakes, always departing from and returning to the same dock at Dusty's Landing. Dad attended St. Augustine Church and faithfully served in the Usher Ministry for 25 years. Family mattered most to Dad.

Surviving are his children, Patricia Zellia (Joseph), James (Jacqueline), and Rebecca Gantz (Matthew); grandchildren, Joseph Zellia, Phillip Zellia, Candace Gardner-Hughes (Michael), Casey Gantz (Jeff Ostholthoff), Bradley Gantz, and Holly Love (Dustin); great-grandchildren, Nicholas Zellia and Cameron Hughes. Dad's brothers, William (Joan) and Robert (Rebecca) and in-laws, Barbara Speakman and John Weaver (Beatrice), also survive as well as many nieces and nephews. Dad was preceded in death by his parents; his bride of 54 years, Aletha (nee Weaver); his grand-daughter, Kathy Bellett Zellia, and his faithful buddy, Teddy.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Glenn Black and all of the great Barberton-Summa nurses who cared for Dad during his illness. Thank you!

Mass of the Christian Burial TUESDAY, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 195 7th Street NW, Barberton with Fr. David Majikis officiating. Burial with Military Honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. Friends may call MONDAY, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial in Dad's memory to the St. Augustine Endowment Fund or to The American Cancer Society (to be designated for the benefit of Team Angels Among Us Relay For Life Team).

Thanks for so many great memories, Dad! We love you. Rest in peace now.