1951
James
2014
James E. Gardner
February 26, 1951 — June 26, 2014
STERLING – James E. Gardner, 63, of Beaman Road, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at UMass Memorial Healthcare-University Campus, Worcester. Born and raised in Worcester, Jim was the son of Robert J. and Anne V. (Burke) Gardner and lived 41 years in Sterling.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ellen M. (Dolan) Gardner; two daughters, Melissa G. Rausch and her husband, Kenny of Colorado Springs and Julia M. Sobol and her husband, Jeff of Jefferson; three brothers, Robert, John and Thomas Gardner; a sister, Nancy Gardner. Melissa and Kenny are expecting his first grandson in October.
Jim graduated from both Burncoat Senior High School and Quinsigamond Community College. He was mechanically minded and knew from an early age that cars were his passion. He followed his dream and pursued a career as an automobile technician. He worked for over 30 years at Protano’s Service Center in Worcester and eventually became an owner. In 2006, Jim and Ellen opened Gardner Automotive in Worcester, which they owned and operated for the last several years. He took great pride in his work and was an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Master Technician for over twenty consecutive years. He was also NAPA’s ASE “Technician of the Year” from 2008 to 2012.
He was kindhearted and was always the first to support local charities. He organized and ran a local car show to raise funds for “Locks of Love,” supported local youth sports teams, the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs and countless other charities. His last act of kindness and love was “life giving” by generously donating his organs to three seriously ill individuals in need.
Jim truly enjoyed the company of others. For the past several years Jim and Ellen have enjoyed traveling the country. He made friends wherever he went and will be remembered for his outgoing and engaging personality; but most importantly, for his devotion and dedication as a husband, father and dear friend.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim’s family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. A graveside service honoring Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30, at Hillside Cemetery, Clinton Road (Rt. 62), Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jim Gardner Education Fund, 1068 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606. The fund will go towards scholarships for those interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please "Sign the Guestbook" on this page.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ellen M. (Dolan) Gardner; two daughters, Melissa G. Rausch and her husband, Kenny of Colorado Springs and Julia M. Sobol and her husband, Jeff of Jefferson; three brothers, Robert, John and Thomas Gardner; a sister, Nancy Gardner. Melissa and Kenny are expecting his first grandson in October.
Jim graduated from both Burncoat Senior High School and Quinsigamond Community College. He was mechanically minded and knew from an early age that cars were his passion. He followed his dream and pursued a career as an automobile technician. He worked for over 30 years at Protano’s Service Center in Worcester and eventually became an owner. In 2006, Jim and Ellen opened Gardner Automotive in Worcester, which they owned and operated for the last several years. He took great pride in his work and was an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Master Technician for over twenty consecutive years. He was also NAPA’s ASE “Technician of the Year” from 2008 to 2012.
He was kindhearted and was always the first to support local charities. He organized and ran a local car show to raise funds for “Locks of Love,” supported local youth sports teams, the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs and countless other charities. His last act of kindness and love was “life giving” by generously donating his organs to three seriously ill individuals in need.
Jim truly enjoyed the company of others. For the past several years Jim and Ellen have enjoyed traveling the country. He made friends wherever he went and will be remembered for his outgoing and engaging personality; but most importantly, for his devotion and dedication as a husband, father and dear friend.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim’s family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. A graveside service honoring Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30, at Hillside Cemetery, Clinton Road (Rt. 62), Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jim Gardner Education Fund, 1068 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606. The fund will go towards scholarships for those interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please "Sign the Guestbook" on this page.
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