James Webb (Jim) Gardner, Jr., 80, of Forest City died at Fair Haven Bostic on February 3, 2025. Jim was born on August 15, 1944 in Mecklenburg county, North Carolina and was the son of the late James Webb Gardner and Iris Rollins Gardner McKeithan.  He was preceded in death by his step-father, Tim McKeithan, sister Suzy Gardner Hayes, brothers-in-law W.H Hayes and George H. Patridge and sister-in-law, Gayle Sills McKeithan.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sylvia Lindsey Gardner; son, James Webb Gardner, III and wife Margaret of Fredericksburg, Texas; daughter Ann Gardner Adams and husband Jay Adams of Mills River, North Carolina and grandson, Alex Adams of Mills River, North Carolina.  He is also survived by his brothers, E.J. (Mack) McKeithan and wife Pamela Flack McKeithan of Bostic and John Timothy McKeithan of Gastonia and sister-in-law, Martha Lindsey Patridge of Jasper, Alabama. He is also survived by his long-time faithful friend, Roger Harmon of Ellenboro. There are a number of nephews and nieces.

Jim graduated high school from Georgia Military Academy (Woodward Academy) in Atlanta, Georgia.  He spent the next year in the merchant marines working on freighters carrying cargo all over the world.  After his stint in the merchant marines, he enrolled at Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama. He continued his education at the University of Alabama where he graduated with a B.S degree in chemistry.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served two years of active duty.

Upon returning to Forest City, he worked in building construction and later started his own company, Jim Gardner Construction which specialized in custom home building. He later expanded his scope of work to small commercial projects.  Jim served as president of the Rutherford County Homebuilders Association and was instrumental in getting Rutherford County to adopt the state building codes. He volunteered to supervise the construction of the 096 Prison Chapel in Spindale.

Jim dedicated a significant amount of his time to Boy Scouts.  He served as scoutmaster of Troop 125 in Forest City for 20 years.  He took his scouts on a camping trip every month and for a week of summer camp.  He also took his troops to four National Jamborees.  Fifty-four boys became Eagle Scouts while he was scoutmaster.  He belonged to the Order of the Arrow and was honored by Piedmont Council with the Silver Beaver Award.

For most of his life, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Forest City.  He also served as a deacon.  In 2011, he and Sylvia joined Florence Baptist Church and became members of the W.O.W Sunday School class.  He was named Citizen of the Year by the Kiwanis Club in 1986.  He served as a director and officer of the O. Max Gardner Foundation and was also president of F.W. G. corporation. In 2017, Jim was blessed to be the recipient of a lung transplant that gave him 7 more years with his family.

He loved hunting, motorcycles, ATVs, and camping.  His happiest times were spent with Sylvia, James and Ann as they explored the United States in their travel trailer.  He also loved the annual Western hunting trips with his hunting buddies.  For 30 years, he and Sylvia maintained a home in Sunlight Basin, Wyoming where they enjoyed the rugged beauty of the Rockies, the wildlife of Yellowstone and made many treasured friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 o’clock on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Florence Baptist Church, Forest City with Reverend Daniel Selman officiating.  Burial will take place afterward in the Cool Springs Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 o’clock prior to the service in the Narthex of the church.

Memorials may be made to Florence Baptist Church, 201 South Broadway Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or to the charity of your choice.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com