James I. “Jim” Gardner

James Irvin (Jim) Gardner, 84, of Willow Spring, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, March 19 surrounded by his faithful loving family. Jim was a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church for 51 years and held many positions including Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, Choir and Missionary Committee. He was a veteran of the Army and while at Fort Bragg met the love of his life, Maxine Adams. They had a very happy marriage of 55 years. Jim grew up in Lock Haven, PA and was the son of the late Haywood & Shirley Gardner. He is also preceded in death by his brother Harold Gardner. He was a very talented craftsman and owned and operated J & F Cabinet Shop for 40 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 116 and a former Gideon. Jim is survived by his wife, Maxine A. Gardner, three daughters Dena (Jim) Birks, Donna (Gene) Jeffries, Dawn (Terry) Dow, one son Jimmy (Hope) Gardner, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren all of Willow Spring and 2 brothers Bill & Steve Gardner of Mill Hall, PA. Visitation will be at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1701 Bud Lipscomb Road Willow Spring from 9:00-11:00am on Saturday, March 21 with funeral following at 11:00am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Flowers are appreciated, but the family request that donations be made to Fellowship Baptist Church Building Fund, 1701 Bud Lipscomb Road, Willow Spring, NC 27592. The family wishes to thank all of our church family, cousins and special friends for their prayers and love they have shown us. Also, very special thanks to Pruitt Health Hospice for the care they have given Jim during his illness.