James Marion Hardison

James Marion Hardison obituary, Oceanside, CA

James Marion Hardison

James Hardison Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Oceanside Mortuary on Jun. 22, 2023.

Publish in a newspaper

Dr. James (Jim) Marion Hardison, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023 in Carlsbad, California at the age of 93. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Diane, his four children, Elaine, James Jr., Joy, and Mark, as well as nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim was born on August 12, 1929 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent most of his childhood and attended high school at Christian Brothers College. Following high school, he joined his father, Dr. Alonzo Hardison, who was on a diplomatic assignment in Mexico City. There Jim attended college at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, became fluent in Spanish, and embraced a new culture which became a profound part of his life.
Jim then returned to the United States and lived in the San Diego area. He worked for General Dynamics-Convair, where he started as an airplane parts assembler and worked his way up to become the Vice President of Marketing for Latin America. He also taught Spanish to adults through night classes, television, and a newspaper column, "Hardison's Spanish".
Jim always had a thirst for education. He earned a master's degree in business and finance, a master of arts in Mexican-American history and a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Following his doctoral studies, he had a second career as a bilingual counselor and then as Dean of Continuing Education in the San Diego Community College District. Assisting young people in
pursuing their dreams through education is what Jim considered to be the most rewarding aspect of his professional life.
Upon retirement, Jim took his family to live in Spain for a year. There he made many close friends whom he and his wife, Diane, returned to visit over the years. During his retirement, Jim continued to share his love for the Spanish language with college students by leading study abroad programs to both Mexico and Spain.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jim was an accomplished pianist, an engaging storyteller, and a mentor and confidant to many. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched, and especially by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 5 at St. James Church in Solana Beach, followed by burial at Old Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery in Oceanside.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Hardison's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Hardison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?