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BORN
1985
DIED
2017
James Hardy Obituary
A body was found June 7 in the Maumee River in Indiana. The Allen County Coroner’s Office announced in a June 8 news release that the body was identified as James Hardy. The cause and manner of death were pending further investigation, said Michael Burris, chief investigator for the Allen County Coroner’s Office, in the release.
Hardy was a standout wide receiver at Indiana University. During his junior season, he caught 74 passes and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Hardy became the Hoosiers’ career receiving leader in touchdowns, yards, and receptions. He also played on the Indiana basketball team for two years.
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The Buffalo Bills drafted Hardy in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. Hardy caught nine passes and had two touchdowns during his rookie season for the Bills. Hardy played in two games during the 2009 season. In 2010, he was released by the Bills.
He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011 but was let go by the team in September of that year.
After his football career, Hardy moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in modeling and acting.
141 Entries
Marcus Smith
June 22, 2017
My condolences...Rest in heaven
Etta Walker
June 22, 2017
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Father God, please grant comfort to the souls of those, whom have lost this loved one. Your love is great. Amen
Stacy Taylor
June 21, 2017
To a great person who was very talented. RIH Cuzin!!! #Bledsoefam!!
Mildred Haywood
June 21, 2017
Condolences to the Family. Your hearts are filled with sadness for the lost of your loved one. Keep good memories of James for comfort. Lean on God for strength
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LaTonya Martin Burrage
June 20, 2017
Praying for James family and loved ones!!! May God give you peace and comfort in your time of bereavement!!! James was a fellow athlete teamplayer and classmate of my son MarQuayle Martin at Elmhurst. He was also locally coached by my Uncle Pierre Taylor Sr. He will truly be missed! R.I.H. James Hardy III
Marilyn Guy-Humphrey
June 17, 2017
My condolences on your lost
Deborah Key Hardaway
June 17, 2017
Jeanie
Keeping you and your family in prayer.
Monet Haywood
June 17, 2017
Those we love don't go away they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near , still loved ,still missed and held so dear. I'm so sorry for your loss.
June 17, 2017
RIP
T. Allison And Family
Maurea (bam) Rhoten
June 17, 2017
So sorry for your loss, prayers for the family..
Frierson Family
June 16, 2017
My sincere condolences
June 16, 2017
Dear Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I know James was a wonderful person! I know he touched so many lives! I know this is a difficult time and it's going to be hard. Keep on cherishing the memories that you had and they will certainly help you through this time!
With deepest sympathy,
Sierra
Nashea Brown
June 16, 2017
OMG! This Still Hurts! James You Did Your Best In Everything & Accomplished So Much In Life! Your A REAL True STAR Keep SHINING JAMES HARDY R.I.H.!!!!!
LaMont Roberts
June 16, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
V S
June 16, 2017
To the Hardy family. Sincere condolences. God can be our refuge and our strength at this most difficult time. Trust in Him,He will carry you through.
Asia Richard
June 16, 2017
Still in shock! Can't believe it. So talented so young. Such a good spirit. Haven't seen you since H.S. but I followed you on the T.V. And watched you achieve your dreams. You made everyone proud. Rest well my friend.
Sharon White
June 15, 2017
Praying for you and your family during your time of bereavement.
Deborah Smiley
June 15, 2017
Prayers to the familey. Our journey here is a short one. We return back to our heavenly father. It's important to speak on life in the best of our ability here till we come into everlasting life. Praise God often for his more than worthiness. Seek him for everything. Be comforted in his words that u feel through the holy spirit. He loves u. Your hurt becomes he care. Connect with him. U'll be alright. Love. Bless.
June 15, 2017
PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY JUST GOD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU GUYS GOD HAS HIM NOW HE IS AT PEACE RIP JAMES
Vicki Wade
June 15, 2017
To the family of James Hardy III are thoughts
and prayers are with you all. The Wade Family
The Parker/Amos's
June 15, 2017
PRAYERS GOING OUT TO ALL
Byers Family
June 15, 2017
Sending condolences..peace and prayers to your families in this time of need..may God continue to watch over u and keep u
Sharon Moore
June 14, 2017
My prayers and heart felt sympathy are with James' family, friends and love ones. Follow God's word. HE will carry you through ✝
Candice Lewis
June 14, 2017
I would like to offer my condolences to the Hardy family. It was honor to be able to call such amazing person my friend. I will definately cherish the memories we all created.
June 14, 2017
TO THE FAMILY:
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN THE DAYS,MONTHS,AND YEARS TO COME.
PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU.
TONIA MOORE MOSBY
June 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
Jeremy Love EHS Class of 2000
June 14, 2017
To the Hardy and Summerville family,
My condolences and heartfelt thoughts and prayers for your loss in this difficult time. I didn't know James on a personal level but we went to the same high school and my sister Katie Love was two grades ahead of James. I was shocked and saddened when I read the news of James' passing knowing the kind of athlete he was at Elmhurst and Indiana University. I followed James' athletic career while he was playing football and basketball at IU, being the big Hoosier that I am. May James Rest in Heaven with our almighty God. Amen.
Go with God James Hardy.
EHS Alumni Class of 2004
June 14, 2017
My heart aches. James gave our school something to be PROUD of. He helped to make light SHINE out of Elmhurst- not only with his skills, but with his personality and kindness. I felt we walked a little taller with James and all the other gifted athletes through the years there. Those memories are something special. Thank you, James, for being so special to our city. I will never forget you- I will talk proudly of you, remember your spirit, and celebrate your life. My prayers and love are with the family and friends-this community will be your rock when you feel weak.
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hart and Family
June 14, 2017
R.I.P. Mr. James W. Hardy III, Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family, friends, and fans. We are sorry for your loss.
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hart
June 14, 2017
R.I.P. Mr. James W. Hardy III, Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family, friends, and fans. We are sorry for your loss.
Sidney and Caila Lyons
June 14, 2017
Condolences to the family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jasmine Bynum
June 14, 2017
To know you was to love you James Hardy you will be missed my sincere condolences to the family.
Jasmine Bynum
June 14, 2017
To know you was to love you James Hardy you will be missed my sincere condolences to the family.
June 14, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Hardy family in this time of sorrow. May you all stay strong knowing he is in Gods arms. Find peace in remembering and celebrating his life.
Cathy Rayl(Garringer) EHS Class of 2001
Jenni Dunn
June 14, 2017
Soooo sorry it just broke my heart in a million pieces when I heard about Hardy's death prayers go out to Hardy's family and friends he was a sweet talented man !!!!! Thanks for helping Elmhurst win !!!! We will always remember him fort Wayne Indiana will always remember James my thoughts and prayers are with you
REBA NELSON
June 14, 2017
RIP THE NELSON FAMILY,WITH MUCH LOVE IN THE NAME JESUS CHIRST.
REBA NELSON
June 14, 2017
TO JEANIE AND THE SUMMERVILLIE FAMILY,I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,TO JEANNIE SOMEONE I PLAYED WITH GREW UP WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE AND LOT'S OF RESPECT FOR OUR FAMILY, REMEMEBER GOD HAS CONTROL OF OUR LIVES AND DON'T MAKE NO MISTAKES, WITH MUCH LOVE THE NELSON'S.I CHIRST JESUS.RIP MR. HARDY III.
June 14, 2017
A tragic, sad ending to a talented, gifted, young life. I am sure his years on this earth brought great joy to many. My prayers go out to this young man's family. May they find comfort in knowing that many do care and are thinking of them during this time. His family and friends were blessed-beyond-measure to have known him. I did not know James, but please know that I do care. Diane Talarico - Fort Wayne, Ind.
Gypsy Heitger (Pace) EHS Class of 2004
June 14, 2017
I knew James in school and we graduated together in 2004. He was very kind and focused. You just knew that great things were in store for a guy like James. Rarely was he without a smile on his face.
May his family and friends be comforted by these sweet memories. Peace, strength, and courage to you all as you cope with such a tremendous loss. James will now fly high and watch over you all.
Mark Murdock
June 14, 2017
Sorry for your loss to the Hardy Family your in our prayers
June 14, 2017
To the Hardy family;
My families thoughts and prayers go out to everyone through this hard time. I didn't know James, but it is a heartbreaking loss of such a super human being. He's in God's hands now and can rest easy.
Alisha Braden(Dunn)
June 14, 2017
So sorry for everyone who is going through this emotional time. James hardy you were such a sweet soul,who passed away too young. You will be greatly missed especially by us all who you helped. I was at Elmhurst when you were a senior I was a freshman. I remember us being so happy with your wins. Fly in peace and your legacy with live on to us all here in Fort Wayne.
D D
June 14, 2017
To the family and friends of James, you have my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming weeks as you mourn the loss of one of the greats. James is a legend amongst the Elmhurst family and gave the Trojan community something to be proud of. But not only that, he was also incredibly kind and had a heart of gold. I consider myself lucky to have known him and to call him a friend. His legacy will love on through many.
Danielle Favory Dippel- EHS Class of 2002
rosa willing
June 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss keeping holding on to God unchangeing hand
Dorothy Carter family
June 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss
F L
June 14, 2017
To The Hardy Family,
Death leaves a heartache that only Almighty God can heal. Love leaves precious memories that know one can steal. May, "the God of all comfort," be with you and your family during this time of sorrow.1Cor 15:26
With Kindness and Heartfelt Regret
Dorothy Carter family
June 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss
Phillips
June 14, 2017
May the hearer of our prayers be with the family and friends of James Hardy
May they feel his loving embrace
My prayers are with you
June 14, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Hardy Family and friends for the loss of James. It's difficult to lose a love one, especially a young one and under these circumstances. May you draw closer to God and each other as you deal with this terrible tragedy and look forward to the time when He will rid the earth of all violence and evil (Psalms 37:8-10,11,29) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
John Holmes
June 14, 2017
I meet James when we he was nine through a mutual friend. He was a great friend growing up and even after the fame. James was still the same person all the years we knew each other this hurt my heart big dog my condolences to the Hardy family. Love big dog
Claudia Norfleet
June 14, 2017
JAMES, MY BELOVED NEPHEW...
I MISS YOU!! MY HEART MOURNS; KNOWING THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE YOU AGAIN 'TIL GOD CALLS ME HOME. I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY WHEN YOU WAS JUST 10 YEARS OLD, STANDING NEAR MOM'S PORCH WITH NOTHING TO DO. SO, I ASKED U IF YOU WANTED TO JOIN ME WHEN I HELPED TO COACH THE *RED SKINS FOOTBALL TEAM. YOU IMMEDIATELY SAID YES!! THEN YOU CONTINED TO PLAY BALL UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF OTHERS INCLUDING ROOSEVELT. FROM THEN ON, YOU MADE HISTORY!!!...WORKING VERY HARD THROUGH THE BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS TO REACH YOUR GOALS OF GAINING MOMENTEMS OF A LIFETIME THAT WILL *FOREVER* TOUCH THE LIVES OF MILLIONS .. WHO LOVED YOU SO MUCH.
*MAY YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE, KNOWING THAT THE POSITIVES OF YOUR LIFE WILL 'FOREVER BE REMEMBERED*...
*LIFE CAN & WILL GIVE US BLOWS THAT CAN KNOCK US DOWN..'BUT GOD..CAN & WILL PICK US UP IF WE LET HIM.
June 14, 2017
I remember James as a skinny student at Shawnee Middle School. He was one of my favorite students. Smart, as well as talented. He kept in touch as much as he could through the years. May the peace of God be with his family during this difficult time.
Peggy Stephens Williams
Shawnee Middle School
Physical Education Teacher
Aundria Allison
June 14, 2017
Sending Love, Prayers and Condolences to the Hardy and Summerville families. A young life taken too soon. Rest Peacefully Mr. Hardy and fellow Elmhurst Alumni!
Ernestine Stephens /Family
June 14, 2017
Condolences to the families..
Carol B
June 14, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and the strength to endure through such a difficult time. Again, my condolences to your family.
June 14, 2017
Nephew/Son; I am lost for words, I loved you dearly I will always remember the great times we shared and our talks and walks together. I was always proud of you. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity and was blessed to have you in my life for 31 yrs. I will try hard not to let my Heart BE TROUBLE... JAMES GRANDMA AND GRANDPA HARDY AND COUSIN JAMES IS WELCOMING YOU INTO THE KINGDOM. FLYING HIGH. You Done your work here on earth and now the Lord needs you. RIH NEPHEW/SON. Absent from the MIND PRESENT WITH THE LORD. Aunt Lisa HARDY COLLINS/UNCLE RONALD COLLINS & FAMILY.
C E
June 14, 2017
To the family and friends of Mr. Hardy, may God be with you all and may you find comfort to cope. Psalm 23
Vickie and Chris Reid
June 13, 2017
Our condolences to the Hardy family
Teresa Mason
June 13, 2017
My heart goes out to the family. James will be truly missed. Wonderful human being.
Kenny and Bernadine Payton
June 13, 2017
A heartbreaking loss. RIP James.
June 13, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with the family and give you peace.
June 13, 2017
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF JAMES,OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.TRUST AND LEAN ON THE GOD OF HOPE.JOHN17:3.
Therese Bombardiere
June 13, 2017
May his soul rest in peace until God calls him forth
Vickie Hardy Fenner
June 13, 2017
Sorry about your lost. May God bless the family.You loved him but God loved him more. I am from Greenville North and my maiden name is Hardy also.
I will keep the family in my prayers always.
Brad McCroskey
June 13, 2017
So sorry for your loss.. Jeanie your in my prayers
Shahogony Hardy-Thomas
June 13, 2017
The news shocked the whole town cuz, and tears fell from a lot of people eyes. Most importantly the tears that fell was from your mom, dad and children and the rest of your family. One thing we as a family won't do is let your name not be heard or thought of everyday. Your greatness will carry on thru yo children. You got ur wings now and u can now see everyone all at once. The family going to come together to help each one of us get through this. Like you u will be strong and stay strong. We love u cuz and u r truly missed.
Tracy Zeeks
June 13, 2017
I met James while he was playing at Indiana. He was always so sweet and kind. He has been and will always be one of my favorite players. Rest in peace sweet James.
June 13, 2017
There are so many thoughts that I could share at this time... James my player, my friend, my son..I want you to know that you're loved, respected, and missed. May God bless your family and hold them as close as he's holding you now. You are a legend that will never be forgotten.
God Bless
Coach & Allison Edmonds
ERNEST Watson
June 13, 2017
God bless you let you so rest in peace thank you for the football memories in the NFL Ernest Watson
LASHANDA Crudup
June 13, 2017
So sorry for your loss praying for you and family
Linda Irons
June 12, 2017
Our condolences to this Family. Rest In GOD Arms...
tina goings
June 12, 2017
To the family of James, you have our deepest sympathy on the passing of James, my daughter and I met him while he was playing at Elmhurst. He was an awesome athlete more impressive was his humble nature. He will truly be missed. He will always have a special place in our hearts. GOD will never leave you HE will guide you all through this storm and give you Peace, you may know the reason this happened but continue to hold all the good things James did in his short life, and hopefully it will give you comfort. May GOD Bless all of you and give you PEACE. My daughter and I thank you for sharing James with all who has the pleasure of knowing him.
Lanette Causey
June 12, 2017
James "Lil Cousin" you have your wings now soar.... You will be missed. For your mom & dad (Big Cousin) find peace in knowing that James III was loved by many. Sending prayers to our families!
Candi Mathis
June 12, 2017
My heart breaks for James' family, especially his mother & father. My only son is the same age as James was, and I cannot begin to understand the pain they're feeling. I will be Praying for them as well as all his family, friends and teammates. May he rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father, and may God Bless and give comfort to all who knew and loved him.
Pearl Roseborough
June 12, 2017
James you gone but not forgotten . you will truly be missed by all. rest in peace love you''''
Myrtle and Jack Mateen
June 12, 2017
Praying for his family and child at this difficult hour. May you find comfort in knowing we share in your grief.
Regina Gordon
June 12, 2017
Gone but not forgotten. You will truly be missed by all.
G. Freeman
June 12, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Barbara Hawkins
June 12, 2017
So sorry . Love and Light to your family
June 12, 2017
Gone too soon! My sincere condolences to James' family, friends and fans who mourn this tremendous loss. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:6,7)
Hugh Mungus
June 12, 2017
It's so hard-y to deal with his loss.
Pat Whitley
June 11, 2017
We want to give our deepest condolences to The Hardy family. Gone to soon.
The Whitley's
June 11, 2017
This is a heartbreaker all the way around. My heart, and my prayers go out to the Hardy family. May our Heavenly Father wrap his arms around each, and every of you as you go through these most difficult days now, and in the future. Blessings from Kansas City.
Lorraine Browne
June 11, 2017
Sorry for the loss to family members may his soul rest in eternal peace
Emanuel Wilson
June 11, 2017
Praying for the family of James,always had a wonderful spirit..Also praying for my Stepbrother Benard Weaver and my Wife Tameka Weaver...
June 11, 2017
I sincerely offer my condolencescondolences: May you find comfort in knowing that you have the love and support of family and friends help you to gradually recover from your pain.
June 11, 2017
Life in this world is hard and filled with pain and suffering. Mr hardys life was not in vain. May the love of friends and family be a means of support and comfort for his family. May Gods peace comfort you all.
Mr & Mrs Smith
June 11, 2017
RIH James to the Hardy Family we are sorry for your loss God Bless.
KELLEY
June 11, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARING IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV.17:17
Pastor Willie Ward
June 11, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 11, 2017
I'm James Hardy mom Jeanie Summerville and I thank all of you for your kind words during my time of sorrow
Linda Irons
June 10, 2017
My condolences to the Family. May GOD keep his arms around you...
Kenny and Wanda Love
June 10, 2017
So sorry to hear the loss of James a nice young man when I met him at Indiana University.
Mr and Mrs Love and family
New Jersey
Johnnyl. Ellis
June 10, 2017
Rest In Peace .
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