LUGOFF – Funeral services for James J. Gardner, 98, will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Cameron will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Gardner passed away Thursday, March 5, 2015. Born in Kershaw County, he was a son of the late Joseph G. and Mattie Rabon Gardner. Mr. Gardner served as a combat soldier in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a POW for 26 months. After his years of service, he came back to Kershaw County to farm. He enjoyed visiting his many friends, and hunting and sharing his vegetables with them. He loved to be with his family, and had a passion for all animals. Surviving are his brothers, Gene Gardner of Rock Hill, and Harvey Gardner of Elgin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Lewie, Elbert, Lemuel, Blease, Elmer, and Edward; and sisters, Mary, Susie, Lois, and Alameda. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the excellent care given by the staff of the Dorn VA Medical Center to James and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, or the Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter at 460 Fair St, Camden, SC 29020.