James Webb (Jim) Gardner, Jr., 80, of Forest City

James Webb (Jim) Gardner, Jr., 80, of Forest City died February 3, 2025. Jim was born August 15, 1944 in Mecklenburg County, NC 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, TX; daughter Ann Gardner Adams and husband Jay Adams of Mills River, grandson, Alex Adams of Mills River, brothers, E.J. (Mack) McKeithan and wife Pamela Flack McKeithan of Bostic and John Timothy McKeithan of Gastonia, sister-in-law, Martha Lindsey Patridge of Jasper, AL, long-time friend, Roger Harmon of Ellenboro and a number of nephews and nieces.

Jim graduated high school from Georgia Military Academy. He spent the next year in the merchant marines. After his stint in the merchant marines, he enrolled at Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL. He continued his education at the University of Alabama. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served two years active duty.

Upon returning to Forest City, he worked in building construction and later started his own company, Jim Gardner Construction. Jim served as president of Rutherford County Homebuilders Association. He volunteered to supervise the construction of the 096 Prison Chapel in Spindale.

Jim served as scoutmaster of Troop 125 in Forest City for 20 years. 54 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 Forest City. 2011, he and Sylvia joined Florence Baptist Church. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Kiwanis Club in 1986. He served as a director and officer of O. Max Gardner Foundation and was also president of F.W. G. corporation.

A memorial service was held February 7 at Florence Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Selman officiating. Military Honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

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

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.