1932
James
2016
James Gardner
April 4, 1932 — November 1, 2016
Died on All Saints Day James was born in Mercedes, TX and was preceded in death by his parents and son Shawn. He grew up in Houston, TX, Flagstaff, AZ, Honolulu, HI and South Dakota. After graduating from the University of South Dakota in 1954 with 29 track records, he served in the Army and retired as Captain from the Army Reserves. In 1957, Jim married Mary Knapton and settled in Shoreview as a playground director in St. Paul. From 1963-68, he was a math teacher in Brooklyn Center where he coached hockey and golf. The following 25 years, he dedicated his life to the St. Paul Public Schools as a math teacher and coach for soccer, skiing, golf and hockey. He was inducted into the Minnesota High School Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame for his innovative leadership and publication of a soccer book recognized nationally as a concise aid to coaches. Also, as a member of ASCAP for his original songs recorded in 1974. During his teaching years, he was on the St. Paul Education Association Board of Directors and newsletter editor. During his summers, James was a golfer and sailor. His boat, The Mary Ann, was docked on Madeline Island for 32 years. In addition, he was a foundational leader in establishing soccer for girls in the state of Minnesota as the president of the Minnesota Soccer Association. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church since 1957 and has served on the boards as well as sang in the choir for many years. James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; daughter April Gardner-Taylor (Matt); grandchildren, Autumn Fearing (Jeff), Madeline Taylor (Patrick Grubb), Heather Witte (Max ) and Aaron Taylor, along with great-grandchildren, June, Sumner and Linden Fearing. Funeral will be held at CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 341 S. Hamline St. Paul, MN Saturday November 5, 2016 at 11 am. Visitations 1 hr. prior to service. Private Burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran. 651-224-2341
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Visitation
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Previous Events
VisitationSaturday, November 5, 2016
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Calvary Lutheran Church
341 Hamline Ave S.
St. Paul, MN 55105
Saturday, November 5, 2016
11:00 AM
Calvary Lutheran Church
341 Hamline Ave S.
St. Paul, MN 55105
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