Lifetime Service A product of Springfield High School, Jim attended Eastern Illinois University. A four-year letter-winner, Jim won 50 of 68 collegiate matches while placing both third and first in the NAIA tournament. Jim served as captain of the Eastern team both his Junior and Senior years. Jim's coaching career began at West Leyden High School as an assistant wrestling coach. After a short stay, Jim decided to accept the Head Coaching position at Springfield Lamphier for what would be a thirty-year commitment. During those thirty years Jim Gardner's teams won well over 300 dual meets while acquiring 5 conference championships, 6 IHSA Regional titles and one IHSA Sectional title. Fifty-eight of his wrestlers qualified for the State Finals with nine of these gentlemen becoming placewinners. In 1988, Jim Gardner experienced a special joy when he coached his first State Champion who, as it turned out, was his son, Andy. An active participant in Illinois wrestling for many years, Jim handled many responsibilities for the Illinois Wrestling Federation. He both hosted and ran developmental tournaments; organized and structured Kids State competitions; and served on the staff of several Illinois Wrestling Federation Junior National Teams. His collegiate accomplished were recognized with his induction into the Eastern Illinois Hall of fame in 1985. His service and commitment to the Illinois wrestling community was acknowledged in 1986 when the IWCOA selected Jim for membership in its Hall of Fame. Finally, the IWCOA named James Gardner as Grand Marshall for the 1993 State Wrestling Finals.