p. 222 | Obituary by Ellet Joseph Waggoner

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 6, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 14.

Obituary.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

GARDNER.—James W. Gardner was born in Toledo, Ohio, August 22, 1853, and died in Nordhoff, Cal., March 28, 1888. Dec. 14, 1880 he was united in marriage to Lottie L. Lunt, the daughter of N. N. Lunt, who still lives to mourn his loss. Bro. Gardner was well known by our people in California, as well as by many in the East and in foreign countries, and his death will be sincerely mourned. He was connected with the office of the Pacific Press even before his full acceptance of the doctrines held by Seventh-day Adventists, and labored most earnestly for its welfare. Liberally educated, familiar with several languages, having traveled extensively in the Old World, a good conversationalist, possessed of fine sensibilities, and having a special adaptability to business, he always impressed business men favorably; and connecting with the office at one of the darkest times in its history, he contributed much to its present high standing in the business world. Although for nearly two years past the state of his health prevented him from engaging in steady, active labor, his interest in the cause was unabated, and he was always planning for the prosperity of the work. Only a week before his death he wrote a letter to one of the directors, making some suggestions concerning the coming annual meeting, stating that it was probably the last letter that he should ever write.

But while he was devoted to the business interests of the cause, he was always anxious to properly represent our faith before those with whom he did business. For several months before his death, the immediate cause of which was heart disease, he seemed to be ripening up either for labor or rest, to whichever the Lord should call him. His sufferings were borne without a murmur, and he found much comfort in seasons of prayer that were held for him. His last days were days of communion with Heaven, and his heart seemed to overflow in praise to God. He felt at perfect peace with God, and although like all people of strong vitality, he had always expressed a dread of death, he said that its sting was gone. The funeral services were held in the Oakland house of worship, March 31. In accordance with his expressed wish, the text was 1 Cor. 15:51-57, and the hymns sung were, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," "Rock of Ages," and "I Would Not Live Alway."

E. J. W.