James Scott Gardner

James “Scott” Gardner passed away at home on May 7, 2018 following a heroic battle against cancer. Scott was born in Collins, Mississippi, the second son of what would become a family of six children. The growing family moved while his Dad continued his education; living in Lubbock, Berkley and Nashville (where Gerald received his Ph.D in Physics from Vanderbilt University) until settling in San Antonio, Texas. He always proudly said that his Dad was the smartest man that he knew. Scott was baptized and confirmed at age 12 at Jefferson United Methodist Church in San Antonio where the family was actively involved. Summers during his early years were spent with his extended family in Mississippi where he learned to drive and fish, both of which remained lifelong passions. As a teenager, he enjoyed summers teaching archery to campers at the Boy Scout camp outside Hunt, Texas. Always a gearhead, Scott was into cars from an early age. He purchased his first car, a blue Triumph Spitfire, before he had a license and kept it hidden at a friend's house so his parents wouldn't know. They knew. Scott graduated from Holmes High School (Class of 1974) where he enjoyed playing the French horn in the band. He maintained strong friendships with high school friends throughout his adult life. He was always a devoted hard worker, either studying or working throughout his college career. Following graduation from UT Arlington with a ME degree, Scott went to work for Global Helicopter where he cemented his love for helicopters and made lifelong friends. Later, his success in his career took him to Bell Helicopter where he was honored to receive the Chairman's Award. Ever the professional engineer, he wore a pressed buttoned-down shirt most days including his last; often with a Bell logo embroidered on it. He felt a close bond to his co-workers and thought of many of them as family. Fridays were regularly celebrated by his bringing donuts for his co-workers. He was a good, generous, intellectual and cherished man who loved (in no particular order) his family, cars, helicopters, fishing, watching MSNBC, guns, learning to play the guitar, Harleys, the Rolling Stones, live music of any kind, sweets and cooking a good steak. He married the love of his life (who happened to live next-door) and together they shared a happy, busy life of carpools, sporting practices and games (with an occasional title of Coach) summer camps, and work while raising three beautiful children. Survivors: Scott is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons Keegan (Hannah) and Brian; daughter, Kaitlyn; his Mother, Peggy; his siblings, Trigg, Brett, Ginny (Arro) and Todd; his uncle, Jimmie (Debbie) Baggett; his pets, Thor, Elsa and 22; and numerous Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Scott is also survived by Kathleen's extended family with whom he was very close. Memorial Service is planned for Friday, May 25 at 10:30am at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 West Pioneer Parkway in Arlington, Texas. A reception will immediately follow at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in the Parish Hall. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233