James Whitfield Gardner

AIKEN, SC – James W. Gardner, Sr., 95, passed away at home December 9, 2019.

     Born in Greenwood, SC on December 1, 1924, he was son of Ross E. Gardner (from Kelleytown, SC) and Mary Elizabeth Duckett Gardner.  

     He graduated Greenwood High School, enlisted U. S. Army and transferred to U. S. Airforce.  Serving in World War II in France.  

     James attended USC Columbia and after graduation worked at Exxon Standard Oil Co., Columbia SC.  He then worked at SRP construction and operations, retiring from DuPont in 1993.  He was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, serving as an usher and also the custodian.    

     He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Gassett Gardner; two sons James W. Gardner, Jr, Aiken, Robert W. Gardner (Deborah), Cedartown, GA; a grandson; 2 granddaughters; 3 brothers,  Clyde K. Gardner, Kelleytown, Ronald K. Gardner, Myrtle Beach, SC, R. Gene Gardner, Greenwood, SC.

     In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a son, William Ross Gardner and a brother, Odell Duckett Gardner.

     A memorial service will be held Saturday morning, January 18, 2020 at 11 o'clock at St. John's United Methodist Church with The Rev. Greyson "Butch" Blackwell officiating.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s UMC, (stjaiken.org) or to the SPCA Albrecht Center (letlovelive.org).

     The family  would like to thank Daybreak, especially Dana Clark and MSA Hospice for their compassionate care.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG ROAD, AIKEN, SC.