James Gayner

James Patrick Gayner passed away in a car accident Sunday, April 12.

Jimmy, as everyone called him, was born March 17, 1967 in Howell, Michigan to Jerome Gayner and Mary Gayner nee Garcia. In 1979 the family moved to Holton, Kansas, and Jimmy was enrolled in St. Mary’s Academy. He graduated from SMA in 1985. In 1987, Jimmy, along with his toothy grin, joined the ranks of the bluejackets. He left the Navy after three years and returned to St. Marys. Jimmy worked as an electrician with various companies for a number of years. In 2016 he moved to Round Mountain, Nevada to work as an electrician at the gold mine there.

Jim’s father, Jerome Gayner and his nephew Damien Gayner preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Mary Gayner of St. Marys; his siblings Michael Gayner of Pahrump, NV; Mark (Ann) Gayner, Denise (Randy) Pedersen, Jeff Gayner, and Thomas (Mary) Gayner all of St. Marys; Cousin Anthony (Brandy) Gayner of Minden, NV; as well as a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.

He did all the things that most people do, played as a child, graduated, went to college, and got a job. But all those things can’t tell us why his loss will be deeply felt by his family and friends. He will be dearly missed not because of any accomplishment, any success, or any particularly famous act. Jimmy will be missed because of his contagious personality.

Everyone who met him could not help but be impressed by his warm smile. As one consoler said, “Jim had a smile that lit up a room, he had a way to brighten your day.” He was one of the most affable people around. “Never did I hear him speak bad about anyone,” said his cousin, “he was a kind, down to earth, amazing individual.” The manifold expressions of love that came after the news of his passing were a testament to his beautiful character. Yes, Jimmy will be missed. His mother, Mary, said that all her memories of Jim seem to be of him smiling or happy. On the lips of almost all who knew him were the words, ‘he was one of the sweetest guys I knew’.

And now we must bid you adieu. Goodbye, Dear Jimmy. Your death on Easter was a tragedy but it carries some consolation. We are reassured in knowing that you lay down the day that Christ rose up and hope that He took you up with Himself. By your leave, sir, we’ll continue this mission on earth and pray that we may see you again. To our son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend we say, “Anchors Away.”

A requiem Mass at The Assumption Chapel in St. Marys, followed by interment in Our Lady of Peace cemetery will be held Monday, April 20 at 10 a.m.  Due to the statewide mandate limiting public gatherings, only a select few will be able to attend the Mass. However, the funeral Mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed at www.streamthemass.com or by using the link located near the bottom of this page. If any wish to attend the graveside services, they are welcome provided they follow social distancing regulations. The viewing hours are from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, April 19,2020 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas, 66536.

Please Use This Site To Sign In And Leave A Messages For The Family.  You may also sign the virtual guestbook by using the link ( Registry for James Gayner ).

You may click on the links at the bottom of this page to access the video recording of the Requiem Mass and Graveside Service.