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 will take place Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 10:00 at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W Old Ridge Rd Hobart, IN 46342 with Father Dominic V. Bertino officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 4-7 at the funeral home. For more information, please call 219-942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.