James Mark Gardner

James Mark Gardner

July 4, 1958 ~ June 19, 2026

In the early morning of June 19th, our Father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend returned to his Father in Heaven after a courageous battle with leukemia.

The first child born to James Doyle Gardner and Nina Beatrice Berry, Mark was born on July 4, 1958 in Washington, D.C. There was nothing coincidental about him being born on the Fourth of July. He was passionate, loud, eager, and loved a great barbecue. Mark was raised in Cottonwood Heights, where he went on to graduate from Brighton High School. He served a mission in Sacramento, California for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While there, his testimony of Jesus Christ was strengthened and a love for California was developed. Mark loved his Savior Jesus Christ and never hesitated to share his testimony and faith with others. After finishing his mission, Mark went on to serve his country in the United States Army. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Oklahoma and Germany where he met his first love: a beautiful, burgundy BMW. A story he enjoyed sharing for years to come.

Mark was one of the hardest-working men you could ever meet. He was always willing to help others, even if it required personal sacrifice. He was a master carpenter whose craftsmanship reflected his strong work ethic and attention to detail. Although he was highly skilled in the building trades, he spent most of his professional career in the financial planning industry, where he developed lasting relationships with his clients. He genuinely cared about the people he served and found great satisfaction in helping them plan for their futures. Many of his clients became dear friends and he valued those relationships throughout his life.

He married Cecilia Coltharp. Though later divorced, they established their home in California where they prayed for and welcomed three beautiful children: Michael, Natalia, and Hannah. Mark was happiest when he was with family and friends enjoying great food and good conversation. He was kind, loved deeply, and could make conversation wherever he went. To know Mark was to have a friend.

A lifelong devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some of his favorite callings were Ward Primary teacher, ward mission leader, single adult leader, and most recently, a temple worker in the Deseret Peak Temple.

While we all hoped for more time with him, he will always be remembered for his resilience, courage, and determination despite life’s challenges. He was someone who believed it was never too late to begin again and he embodied that belief fully until the very end. His commitment to making the most of every opportunity will never be forgotten.

Mark is survived by his children, Michael (Kayla), Natalia (Monte), and Hannah; his grandchildren; his siblings, Connie, Vera, Karrie (Mike), and Bryan (Kristin); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister, Lisa.

We are grateful for the loving care he received from the doctors and nurses at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Services will be held at the Butler Hill Chapel, 2695 E 7000 S, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

Viewings: Friday, June 26, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM and Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00–10:45 AM

Funeral: Saturday, June 27, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM

Interment: Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.