James "Sonny" Gardner, 85, passed away Jan. 5, 2026, in Kemp. He was born Sept. 14, 1940, in Aley to parents Pauline (Bridges) and James Monroe Gardner, Sr.
Sonny graduated as valedictorian of the Kemp High School Class of 1958. After high school, he proudly served his country with four years in the Army and an additional ten years in the Army National Guard.
Family meant everything to Sonny. He stepped up as a father and was a good dad, always present and always caring. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and took great pride in each of them.
Sonny spent more than 30 years working as a coach, teacher and bus driver. Through those roles, he poured his life into countless young people and families. He believed in helping others and was known as someone who would do anything for anyone. When someone needed help, Sonny was there. He had a big heart, and he was truly loved by everyone who knew him.
In his free time, Sonny enjoyed sports and loved to fish. He absolutely loved going to garage sales and auctions and never missed a chance to visit the casino. These simple pleasures brought him a lot of joy and many good stories.
Sonny was a wonderful dad and Paw Paw and he will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and sister Maxine Sammann.
He is survived by son Rusty Yager and wife Shawnye of Gun Barrel City, daughter Leona Alexander and husband Richard of Springtown, 11 grandkids, numerous great-grandkids, two nephews and one niece as well as numerous cousins, extended family and many friends.