James Wardney Hardy, age 91, of Moorefield, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at E. A. Hawse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Baker, West Virginia, surrounded by his immediate family.
James, or “Jim,” as he came to be known, was the loving husband of Joyce Hardy, who preceded him in death in 2018. He was the father of four children: Sharon H. (Mike) Custer, Marcia H. (Joe) Fisher, Suzanne H. (Mark) Goodall, and Joshua J. (Melissa) Hardy. Jim also known as “Grandad,” was the grandfather of twelve grandchildren: Benjamin W. (Holly) Weese, Michael J. (Jessica) Custer, James William (Melanie) Fisher, Joseph Adam (Jennifer) Fisher, Bryce F. (Samantha) Ritter, Elizabeth B. Goodall (Clayton) Moore, Sydney G. Hardy, Sophia R. Hardy, Owen Kitzmiller, Mackenzie Kitzmiller, Addison Kitzmiller and Isaac Kitzmiller; thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Jim was born in Rada, West Virgina the son of the late William Abraham Hardy and Grace Harriett Rumer Hardy. Preceding him in death are his sisters and brothers, Mernie Evans, Ruth Crider, Paul Hardy, and John Hardy. Jim was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Jim attended Moorefield High School and graduated in 1952. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Hedrick Hardy, and they were married for 66 years. Jim joined the U.S. Air Force and was discharged in 1956; after completing his military service, Jim became employed and worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 plus years.
Jim played baseball and football while in high school and was named to the All-State Football Team in 1951. He was also named to the Moorefield High School “Hall of Fame” in 2013. Jim was an accomplished golfer and a member of the Valley View Golf Club.
A skilled carpenter, he constructed six houses and built and customized furniture for his family and friends. According to his family, “he could build anything.”
Jim is best remembered for his “calm” disposition and for his kindness. He attended Moorefield Presbyterian Church.
A funeral service will be held at the Moorefield Presbyterian Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim Yao officiant. Interment will follow at the Olivet Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the U.S. Air Force and the Moorefield Veteran’s Honor Guard. Family and friends are invited to a fellowship luncheon following the service in the Fellowship Hall at Moorefield Presbyterian Church.
To celebrate and honor “Jim’s” remarkable journey, friends and loved ones are encouraged to visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com, where memories, photos, and reflections can be shared. Let us come together to honor a life filled with service, dedication, and unconditional love. Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to Valley View Golf United, c/o Donna Alexander, 108 N Main Street, Petersburg, WV 26847.
