Deacon James Gardner
James Franklin Gardner, Tyrone, GA, was ordained as a Deacon in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church on Sunday evening, October 17, 2009 at The Cathedral of Christ the King, Sharpsburg, GA, by Bishop David Epps.
Deacon Gardner was converted to the Christian faith at age 13. He graduated from Atlanta’s Southwest High School, where he played varsity basketball, and went on to further his education at Georgia State University and Southern Technical Institute. He received an Associate of Mechanical Engineering Technology and, later, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He is nearing completion of a Master of Ministry degree from St. Michael’s Seminary.
After graduating from the U. S. Army Aviation School Gardner became a Warrant Officer and Rotary Wing Aviator. He served as a helicopter gun ship pilot in the Vietnam War. Among his medals and awards were twenty-two Air Medals, the Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Service Medals, and other awards. Following his military service and other training, Gardner became a professional airline pilot.
Gardner married his wife, Christine, in 1973 and, after five years, both were diagnosed as unable to have children. After much prayer in 1978, Jennifer was born, followed by Rick in 1982. Andrew was born in 1986. The Gardners have two grandchildren.
Gardner started the first children’s basketball program at Christ the King Church and currently teaches in the church’s children’s department.
Gardner has served as a Licensed Liturgical Minister, Lector, and as an acolyte. He continues to serve as a teacher, a member of the Sacristy Ministry, and in other areas of ministry. He also started the first children’s basketball program at Christ the King.
