Reverend James K. Gardiner was born in Cheboygan, Michigan on April 28, 1943, to James and Margaret (McKervey) Gardiner. He died on February 1, 2025.
Fr. Gardiner attained a BA degree from St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as an MA degree from the University of Detroit. He taught theology in various high schools in the dioceses of Grand Rapids and Gaylord. Fr. Gardiner retired in 2015 and resided in Indian River, Michigan.
During his lengthy ministry, Fr. Gardiner was assigned to many parishes in the Diocese of Gaylord. He served as Associate Pastor at the parishes of St. Charles, Cheboygan and St. Mary, Manistee. Fr. Gardiner was assigned as Pastor at the parishes of St. Wenceslaus Parish, Gill’s Pier and its mission churches of St. Gertude the Great, Northport and Immaculate Conception (now known as St. Kateri Tekakwitha), Peshawbestown; St. Joseph, Onekama; St. Raphael, Copemish; St. Anne, Alpena; St. Rose of Lima, Herron; St. Mary of the Assumption, Charlevoix; St. Francis of Assisi, Traverse City; St. Luke the Evangelist, Bellaire; and St. Joseph, East Jordan. During his ministry Fr. Gardiner was also assigned as Sacramental Minister at the parishes of St. Mary of the Woods, Kalkaska; St. Aloysius, Fife Lake; St. Clement, Pellston; Sacred Heart, Riggsville; and St. Anthony of Padua, Mackinaw City. Fr. Gardiner also served as Administrator at the parishes of Holy Childhood of Jesus, Harbor Springs; St. Ignatius of Loyola, Good Hart; Holy Cross, Cross Village; and St. Nicholas, Larks Lake; as well as Temporary Administrator at Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine, Indian River.
Over the years of his ministry, Fr. Gardiner helped establish, and served as Coordinator of, the Native American Apostolate. Additionally, he served as a member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors, as well as Vicar of several vicariates.
He is survived by his sister Helen, brother Michael and their spouses, as well as two nieces and two nephews, a grandnephew, and a grandniece.
Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine, 7078 M-68, Indian River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with The Most Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh, Bishop of Gaylord, presiding. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City, Michigan on Friday, February 7, 2025.
