Gardner, James A.
James (Jim) A. Gardner, 84 of Middletown, CT, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 14, 2022, after an extended illness. Born in Waterbury, CT, the son of J. William Gardner and Mable L. Phelps, he is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ursula (Arndt) Gardner, son William Gardner of Randolph, NJ, his wife Karen and daughter Katherine, daughter Gretchen Weitz of Middletown, her husband Stuart and children Emma and Jack, and daughter Beth Blasi of Salinas, CA, and her husband Francis and sons Elliot, Ethan, Eli and Evan. Jim was predeceased by his brother Donald Nydegger of Phoenix, AZ and his sister Marjorie Hayes of Alta Loma, CA. Jim moved to Middletown in 1950 with his mother following his father's passing. Upon graduating from Middletown High School in 1956, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corp. After proudly serving his country, Jim worked for a river surveying and dredging company and at EIS Automotive as a setup-man. In 1966, he
began his career at the Hartford Electric Light Company (HELCO) as an operator at the Middletown Power Generating Station. He enjoyed his job and worked his way up during his 32 years of service, retiring in 1998 as the Power Station's Operation Manager, a position he held for 17 years. After retiring in 1998 and working
two additional years as a consultant for the power company, Jim and Ursula enjoyed traveling and watching their seven grandchildren grow up. Jim was a very kind, generous and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Besides his family, Jim felt the closest to the wonderful people he worked with at Middletown Station. The Gardner family would like to thank the
kind and caring staff of Middlesex Hospice for guiding us through this challenging life transition. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20th at 11am at The First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street Cromwell, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The First Congregational Church of Cromwell. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.