James L. Gardner, Jr.
432404798 Major General
United States Air Force
1951- 1983

     James Lee "Jim" Gardner was born 1 September 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the first child of James Lee and Ruby C. Reed Gardner. Jim grew up in Wynne with a brother and a sister. He graduated  from Wynne High School in the Class of 1947. Jim was an Eagle Scout, Troop 18 -Beta Club Member -All State Football End and Center in 1946- All District Basketball Player in 1946 and 1947.   He continued his education with a B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University.
     During his 32-1/2 years in the Air Force, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfork, Virginia and the Industrial College, Washington D.C. He was awarded AF Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, 3 Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Mertitorious Service Medal, 11 Air Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, Arm Commendation Medal, 8 AF Longivity Awards, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry , Expeditionary Medal, presidential unit A ward, American Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal and was also awarded AF Command Pilot Wings, and the Military Parachutist Badge. Some of his jobs were: Director Operation 21st A.F.- Vice-Wing Commander, Dover, Delaware -Wing Commander 438th, McGuire AFB, New Jersey -Vice Commander and Commander 22nd AF , Travis AFB, California -Inspector General, Scott AFB, Illinois -Chief of Staff, Scott AFB, Illinois.
    Jim retired 1 December 1983 and moved to Arkansas, then to South Carolina. Jim married Julieta Dodd and they are the parents of Rev., Chaplain, Dr., Lt. Col. Scott R. Gardner and Julie Gardner Smith and grandparents of six.
    Jim and his wife now reside in Hanahan, South Carolina. He has served as Treasurer (95-97) and Chairman (97-99) of the Berkeley County Republican Party and is now running for a South Carolina House Seat in the upcoming primary election. His spare time is spent enjoying Bible study, golf, travel, yard work, grandfathering, and local politics.