James Lavar Gardner

James LaVar Gardner, Age 76, of Idaho Falls died at his home Wednesday, September 19, 2007. He was born December 20, 1930 at Idaho Falls, a son of Earl Joseph Gardner and Erma Marguerite Holst Gardner. He was raised in Labelle and attended schools in Rigby, graduating from Rigby High school. January 5, 1950, he married Verna Ann Byram in Ucon. He farmed in the Ucon area, belonged to the Sheet Metal International Association for forty-one years and worked at Bingham Mechanical, Atlas Mechanical, and Y.M.C. Mechanical, retiring in 1993. Jim served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the LDS Church. He enjoyed and cared for his best friend “Buddy” his dog, hunting, fishing, camping, horse racing, chariot racing, and riding four-wheelers with his grand children and family. He is survived by three daughters; Cheryl Ann (Gary) Pence, of Idaho Falls, Sharon (Keith) Brammer, of Iona and Judy Marguerite (Ken) Rieth of Idaho Falls, one sister; JoAnna Blancett of Utah, eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son, Brent LaVar Gardner, a sister, Faye Joyce Bowen and a grandson, Travis R. Brammer. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Ucon Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 West Main Street, Rigby). Military Rites will be preformed by the Jefferson Veterans Team.