John James Gardner

John J. (Jack) Gardner died in his home on Sunday, December 10, 2017 after a long illness. He was one day short of 81 years having been born in Saginaw, MI on December 11, 1936. His father, John Gardner and mother, Grace Hilda (Engel) Gardner raised Jack along the Tittabawassee River in Shields where he formed many tales of boyhood adventures which he delighted in telling. Jack married Beatrice (Allington) on June 20, 1959 at Kochville United Methodist Church in Saginaw. He was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School and he underwent training at Delta College where he deepened his knowledge and experience as a metallurgic technician for Eaton Corporation. He was proud of his work ethic and years of service but due to early health concerns his career was all too brief as he found it necessary to be placed on disability. One of Jacks gifts was his ability to tell a story. He relished the relationships with those he called friend and often shared stories with great embellishment and good humor. Stories of "whales" that got away and miraculous shots in the woods at monumental bucks were told with great ease and joy. As a proud Scotsman, Jack would assume his fathers native brogue and delight in describing appropriate Scottish frugality. He was a man who loved the outdoors. Fishing and hunting were deep passions to which he gave himself as long as he was able. The family cottage on Van Ettan Lake in Oscoda brought many years of satisfying times and beautiful memories with family and friends. When it came to family, Jack was deeply committed to his wife, Bea, and his daughter Lynn (Harris) and son-in-law, Duane Harris (Midland, MI), grandson Joshua & spouse, Aimee(Butler) Harris of Milwaukee, WI who survive him. Those predeceased include his father, John Gardner(4/24/81), and mother, Grace (Engel) Gardner (3/18/02); in-laws George Allington (4/10/68) & Irene (Meisel) Allington (5/5/03). Per Jacks wishes a private ceremony was held at W. L. Case and Company on Thursday, December 14, 2017. Burial has taken place at Kochville United Methodist Church cemetery in Kochville Township, Saginaw County.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603