James R. Gartner, 78 of Newark passed away on July 7, 2026 at Licking Memorial Hospital after a short battle of Stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lungs. He was born on June 2, 1948 in Newark, OH to the late Frederick W. and Helen Louise (Smith) Gartner.

Jim graduated from Utica High School in 1966. He was a retired union tradesman from Local 423 and Local 50. He raised black and tan coonhounds for many years and was a lifetime member of Ohio State Trappers Association. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Rhonda (Bell) Gartner, whom he married July 10, 1998; daughters, Jamie (Brian) Garee and Lisa (Scott) Devoll; step-sons, David (Holly) Fluhart and Thomas Fluhart; grandchildren, Alexis (Zach) Bartley, Schuylar Welch, Olivia Garee, Aliyah Fluhart, Gage Fluhart, Vivian Devoll and Dylan Devoll; great-granddaughter, Aedan Bartley; brother, Jeff Gartner; sister-in-law, Sally Gartner; and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Frederick Gartner, Jr. and Jerrold Gartner; and sisters, Theresa Gartner and infant sister, Catherine Gartner.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Monday, July 13, 2026 Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark.

Special thanks to Heartland Hospice and LMH 5th floor staff for their wonderful care.

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