Jim Collier Gaertner, age 75, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on March 17, 1949, in Defiance, Ohio, he was the son of the late Don William Gaertner and the late Arlene Marian Gaertner. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Gaertner, his brother-in-law, Ralph Trine, and his nephews, Donnie Trine, Scottie Osterink, John Osterink, and Mark Osterink.

Known as Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jim loved his family. He had a big heart and a big personality and was always the life of the party. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog football fan and loved a good tailgate. He also loved golf, fishing and working in the yard. But the real legacy that he leaves behind is the unconditional love that he had for his family and friends.

Left behind to cherish his memories are his wife, Jane Gaertner, of Carrollton, his daughter and son-in-law, Jennie Brannen (George), of Athens, Georgia, his daughter, Jill Wolford of Carrollton, his granddaughter, Anna Harry (Dakota) of Roopville, Georgia, his grandson, Austin Wolford of Carrollton, his granddaughter, Jenna Brannen, of Athens, Georgia, and his precious great granddaughters, Blayke and Bradleigh Jo Harry, of Roopville, Georgia. He also leaves behind his sister, Sheri Trine, of Angola, Indiana, his brother, Don Gaertner (Linda), of Juno Beach, Florida, and several nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Jim.

In keeping with Jim's wishes, he will be cremated and there will be a small private ceremony for family and friends scheduled for a later date. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in memory of Jim to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org or to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

Cremation services have been entrusted to Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan.