James C. Gardner

James Creswell Gardner (July 17, 1924 – August 27, 2010), nicknamed "Mr. Shreveport", was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1952 to 1954 and as mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana from 1954 to 1958.

Gardner was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of Arville Gardner and Marie Creswell. He was a descendant of Pierce Mason Butler, a South Carolina governor. He attended C. E. Byrd High School, graduating in 1940. After graduating, he attended Louisiana State University, earning his AB degree in history and government. He also attended Centenary College of Louisiana.

Gardner served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1952 to 1954. After his service in the House, he served as mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana from 1954 to 1958.

Gardner died of cancer on August 27, 2010, at the Willis-Knighton Pierremont in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 86.