James "Jim" Gardner, III

James “Jim” Kenneth Gardner passed away on August 10th, 2026, in his home after an 8-month battle with cancer at 52 years old. Jim was born in Chattanooga, TN on September 14, 1973, where he grew up for 8 years before moving to Chicago with his mother. At 20 years old, Jim enlisted in the Army and served for 3 years before being honorably discharged due to injury. Afterwards, Jim pursued an education in Fire Science from Truckee Meadow college in Nevada. In 1999, Jim welcomed Tyler, his pride and joy into the world. Shortly after, Jim started his first business in fire investigation called Cause & Origin in Reno, Nevada. Jim found a new passion— aviation and obtained ownership of the Murfreesboro flight school in 2011 and remained owner until his last day. In 2022, Jim met his wife Felicia who immediately impacted Jim’s life. They were married on September 28th, 2024.

Jim has and will be known for his hard work, kindness, compassion for people and animals alike, and his passion for travel and adventure.

Jim is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ruth and Ken Gardner; maternal grandparents, Martin McNabb and Nora McNabb-Fritts; aunt, Theresa McNabb, and an uncle, Mike McNabb.

Jim is survived by his wife Felicia Gardner; son, Tyler Gardner; parents, Frannie and Larry Godair; brothers, Winston Gardner and Todd (Katherine) Godair; nieces, Claudia Godair, Kyla Godair, Haley Nichols, and Nora Nichols; nephews Trevor Godair and Noah McNabb; cousin, Mallory Smith; and an aunt, Karen McNabb.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you make donations to a scholarship fund using this link https://flyfourforces.com/fund_a_flight?student=1786736346717x667863522619474400 for future flight school students in need.

Graveside service will be held in Decatur, TN at Beta Cemetery on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 am under the direction of Woodfin Funeral Chapels.

A celebration of life will be held at the Murfreesboro airport on September 19, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

An online guestbook is available for the Gardner family at www.woodfinchapel.com.