Obituary: JAMES HARTSFILED “JIM” HARDY
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James Hartsfield “Jim” Hardy passed away on November 1, 2022 after a brief illness.
He was born in Reidsville, NC to Siddie Mae and Nash Eugene Hardy in 1933. He was a high school and college athlete and graduated from Elon College. He went on to earn a master’s degree at Penn State University and pursued further graduate study at UNC-Greensboro. He enjoyed a long and successful career in public education in the Reidsville City schools, culminating with the position of Superintendent until his retirement. This work spanned many pivotal years in American public education, an institution Jim believed in passionately.
Jim is survived by his wife of 21 years, Beth Garriss Hardy. He was predeceased by his first wife of 44 years, Barbara Stalvey Hardy. Jim and Barbara are survived by their three children: Lynn Peel (Hil), Jay Hardy (Nancy), and Mark Hardy; grandchildren Sarah Butala (Matt), Emma Peel (Corey Phillips), Anna Flippin (Matt), Jake Hardy (Christina), and Helen Hobson (Benjamin). Jim took unbounded delight in his 10 great-grandchildren and was looking forward to more.
He was predeceased by his only sibling, Gene Hardy. Gene is survived by his wife, Judy, and their sons, Nash and Martin, and Nash’s daughter Holland.
Jim was a founding member and captain of the Reidsville Rescue Squad, serving tirelessly for many decades. He was a certified state instructor for rescue teams on various rescue techniques and mentored new generations of volunteer emergency responders. He was also a member of the NC Swiftwater Rescue Team. Jim was a dedicated steward of Rockingham Lake, serving as president of the board for many years. Jimmy, a.k.a. “Tank”, as his high school classmates called him, was a master woodworker and carpenter and a devoted fisherman, canoeist, and outdoorsman. His love of the outdoors is one of the legacies he left his children, grandchildren, his nephew, and great-grandchildren. Jim was happiest when his wife and his entire family were gathered together.
The family will receive visitors at Citty Funeral Home, 308 Lindsey Street in Reidsville, 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 5. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Reidsville Rescue Squad, 2100 Westover Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.cittyfh.com
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