Charlottesville, Virginia
James Joseph Hardiman
James Joseph Hardiman departed this life unexpectedly on Monday, July 23, 2012, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones in North Carolina. He was born on August 9, 1951, in Providence, Rhode Island, the cherished son of Mary Patricia Ward Hardiman and James J. Hardiman Sr.
He graduated high school in 1969 from LaSalle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. He went on to complete his Sociology and Psychology undergraduate degree at Mary Baldwin and from there went to complete his graduate degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean Payne Hardiman; daughter, Pam Ray Baker and her husband, Neil Baker; son, James Marcus Ray and his wife, Ann M. Ray; and his three grandchildren, Allison Stewart Stephens, Chelsea Nicole Baker, and Addison Marie Ray. Also surviving is his sister, Patricia Ward Crowell and her husband, Richard Crowell; Emily Crowell and Elizabeth Crowell of Cranston, Rhode Island. Jim was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, and also devoted his life ministering to individuals suffering from chemical addictions, the effects of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and domestic difficulties. He had a heart for children and soldiers traumatized by combat, and dedicated his life to assisting them with how to deal with the pain and suffering.
The family is grateful to all who cared for him during his brief time at the hospital.
Marked by a huge love for the Lord, kindness, a heart for people and a quirky sense of humor, his life cannot be contained by words. We loved him wholeheartedly and unconditionally, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The American Heart Association, The Gideon's International, or The Pregnancy Center of Central Virginia. Visitation willl be held from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Northside Baptist Church, Charlottesville, with Pastors Keith Johnson and Joel Jenkins. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
My God comfort Jim's family and friends. Jim was a great guy; his passion and energy for God always touched me during the time that we worked together. Enjoy heaven old friend.
T Walker
July 27, 2012 | Richmond, VA
Jeanie and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have heard many pleasant stories about Jim during the time we worked together. May God be with you during this difficult time. And please know you are in my thoughts.
Marvinette Palmer
July 27, 2012 | New Canton, VA
There are no words to express the depth of my sorrow, the emptiness of my world without you and the absence of your love. You were a rare treasure and I know you are rejoicing with Jesus and getting all the "more to be revealed later" answers. The Lord blessed me with almost 30 years with you and I am grateful you chose me to share your life's journey. I love you so much.
Jeanne Hardiman
July 27, 2012 | Southern Pines, NC
Jeanie & family, may the love & peace of God surround you as well as memories of love shared with James comfort & keep you during this time of loss & sorrow. Please accept our condolences.
Ann and Bill Wood
July 27, 2012 | Danville, VA
Grandpa Jim with Addison (2011)
There are no words for how sad and tragic this is for us. We admired, respected, and loved you dearly - if only we had more time to share that with you and say goodbye. We know that you are in a much better place an you are in 'heaven' enjoying all your favorite foods, time with your parents, all the baseball and Red Sox players' autographs you want, and most of all you get to meet HIM. We feel a huge emptiness for Addison that she won't have the chance to know her amazing Grandpa Jim, but...
The Ray Family
July 27, 2012 | VA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jeanne, and your family. Jim did what he was so good at---comforting his fellow man. He will be greatly missed.
Paul, Averill and Cliff Palmyra, Va.
July 26, 2012
He was a kind and gentle man and I will always be grateful for his friendship. My sympathies to his family.
William Potts
July 26, 2012 | Palmyra, VA
i was just thinking about jim the other day and thinking about how he helped get me through one of the toughest times in my life. he was a really great person and wonderful man of God. i am so sorry for your loss jeanne. but as we know this is a temporary separation. praying for strength and peace.
love, crystal peacoe
crystal peacoe
July 26, 2012 | Charlottesville, VA
My deepest sympathies to the family...I will be keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.May God wrap his loving arms around each of you and give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Kim Adams
July 26, 2012 | Parkersburg, WV