James Cleveland Gardner, Sr. was born on Thursday, March 17, 1960, in Clarksville, TN to the union of Cleveland Gardner and Dorothy Gardner. 

James was known as “Jr.”, “Junebug”, and “Bug”. He was the baby boy of nine siblings. He dedicated his life to Christ at a young age. He was a faithful member for 40 years to Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

James loved to be around his family and was always joking. In his free time, he loved to listen to music, yard work, working on cars, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was loved by so many.

 James passed peacefully at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

 James was preceded in death by his father, Cleveland Bell Gardner; mother, Dorothy June Gardner; son, Javon Burnett; and granddaughter, Janyla Burnett. 

 James leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife of 27 years, Cynthia B. Gardner; his beloved children; JaMisha Matthews of Indianapolis, IN; JaQuella Nellems of Noblesville, IN; James C. Gardner Jr. of Fort Wayne, IN; Daryl K. Burnett, Jr. of Fort Wayne, IN; Jamar (Nakia) Burnett of Fort Wayne, IN; and Dontae Burnett of San Diego, CA. 

 James also leaves behind his cherished siblings: Jo Francis Bagby, Brenda Thomas, Mary Gardner, all of Fort Wayne, IN; Diane (Billy Ray) Nicholson of Clarksville, TN; Patricia (Michael) Woods of Fort Wayne, IN; Cynthia (Jerome) Crenshaw of Allentown, PA; Gloria Wells of Las Vegas, NV; Michael Gardner of Nashville, TN; and Larry Gardner of Clarksville, TN.  

 James was also a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and is remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, including his special goddaughter, Marquita Phillips.

 He will be missed by those who shared his life. James fought a good fight and kept smiling and joking through his pain. He will always live in our hearts and your legacy will live on. Rest peacefully until we meet again.

 His legacy of love, laughter, and faith will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.