James Reese Gardner was born in Houston, Texas to parents James "Jim" and Carol Gardner,
preceding him in death. He graduated from Benton HIgh School in Benton Arkansas in 1988. He
lived his adult life in Texas, near his family where he enjoyed family vacations, movies, watching
sports, and his dog Winston. He was a deeply beloved, fiercely involved, endlessly humorous,
loving and generous son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
His sense of humor and spontaneity put anyone at ease within minutes of knowing him. It was
his nature to give generously, with his time and resources. James was a father-figure, friend and
uncle to many, as he treated his friends as close family. He attended sporting events, recitals,
graduations and dinners for his family, co-workers, friends and their children. He loved (and
often initiated) a good laugh and a celebration.
He is survived by his brother, Kenny Gardner and sister-in-law Betsy Gardner, his nephew
Paxton Gardner, niece Anna-Kate Gardner, sister Jessica Stein and brother-in-law Robert Stein
along with many Aunts and Uncles, and cousins.