Obituary of James Gardner

James “Jim” M. Gardner, age 95, of Ozark, Alabama, formerly of Hobart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home, on Thursday, January 26, 2017 in Ozark, Alabama. Jim was born in New York City on May 31, 1921 to the late Charles and Alice (nee Cosgrove) Gardner. He served in World War II as a member of the United States Army Air Corp. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Bridget Church in Hobart as well as St. John the Evangelist in Ozark. Jim worked as a cabinet shop manager and was a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 1027. Jim will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend. Jim is survived by daughters, Alice Marie Pandorf, Carol Jean (Morris) Lattimore; daughter-in-law, Mary Gardner; grandchildren, PJ Pandorf, Charles Pandorf, John Pandorf, Sarah Lattimore, Michelle (Todd) Roberts; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and special friends, Cyndi Farley, Genny Phillips. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Frances (nee Szymeczek) Gardner; son, Charles L. Gardner; sister, Alice Marie; son-in-law, Vincent Pandorf; and his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in James honor, may be made to Covenant Care Hospice, 1512 W. Main Street Dothan, Alabama 36301, www.donate.covenanthospice.org or to a local hospice care center of your choice. A funeral service for Jim was held Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 10:00 at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W Old Ridge Rd Hobart, Indiana with Father Dominic V. Bertino officiating. Burial followed in Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com. Service Information