James Martin Gardner, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Hospice House in Bloomington. His loving wife, Kathy, was by his side.

Born on May 21, 1947 in Greene County, Indiana to Harold Gardner and Gayle Cole. He lived a life marked by strength, hard work, integrity, humor and deep devotion to those he loved. Jim served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corp as a Field Artillery cannoneer with training at Marine Corps Base, 29 Palms, California, with the 7th 155mm Gun Battery before deploying overseas, where he served with both India Battery, 12th Marines 3rd Marine Division, and Whiskey Battery, 13th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was part of highly decorated units, fighting in two monumental battles at Hill 881 South and Khe Sahn. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Rifle Marksman's Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fi! He carried that experience with quite resilience throughout his life and instilled in his daughters a love of Country, deep patriotism, perseverance, humility, and devotion to family.

Jim (Jimmy) had an unmistakable personality—sharp-witted, sarcastic in the most loving way, and always ready with a joke that could bring a smile even in the most difficult moments. He was a man of deep generosity, honestly and love. His devotion to both family and friends found him working tirelessly to help whenever and wherever he was needed. You could call him in the middle of the night to help chase cows roaming down the road to rescuing someone stranded on the road. He gave freely of his time and energy. He was a self-taught mechanic and was exceptionally gifted with his hands and he could easily solve problems that befuddled others. His mechanical expertise was well-known throughout Southern Indiana and in his younger time, people would come from all around to have Jimmy Gardner rebuild their cars or have a "Gardner" paint job. He was a true craftsman and perfectionist in his work and there was never a question of its quality. He worked for many years at CRANE Naval Weapons Support Center in the Maintenance Shop, even earning an award for an invention he created to help dismantle old warheads.

Jim loved his family and made sure they always knew it—not just in words, but in the way he showed up every day. He never made his children or grandchildren feel like anything less than his priority. He was present, devoted, and proud, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Those who knew Jim will never forget his smile—one that carried both humor and a deep, unmistakable love. His legacy lived on in the lives he built, the hearts he touched, the home he created, and the family he adored.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathy; his daughters Bobbi Green and Shannon Collier (Jake Collier); his grandchildren Dustin Collier (Cristin), Morgan Blocher (Tyler), James Green (Alyssa), and Gracyn Collier; his great-grandchildren Riley, Sarah, Beau, Arlo, Adler, and Anson; his siblings Arnold Gardner (Jean), Melody Caswell (John), Cathy Hodge (Mike), Tammy Vest (Randy), Kimberly Haney (Jeffrey), Reva Belt (David), Harold Gardner (Dayna), Steve Gardner (Lisa), Anthony Gardner (Dawn).

He was preceded in death by his father Harold Gardner and his mother Doneva Cole (and his loving stepfather Claude Cole).

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield, burial will follow in Carmichael Cemetery in rural Bloomfield.

Public visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family asks that all memorial contributions be made to Tunnel of Towers at t2t.org.

Jimmy, Dad, Grandpa: You will be missed more than you can ever imagine. We don't know how to exist in this moment but we will remember your strength and love for us and we will persevere.

Thomas S. Monson: "How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings…"