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Brown University

James Hardy Obituary

HARDY, JAMES HENRY age 66, died at home on Nov. 9, 2015. Jim was born in NYC and grew up in Philadelphia and Bethesda, MD. He graduated from Walt Whitman HS, Trinity College and Boston University School of Law. His legal career was dedicated to social justice and to serving people in need. He worked as a staff attorney at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and then at Rhode Island Legal Services before starting his own private law practice dedicated to meeting the legal needs of RI seniors. He also served on the board of Providence Community Health Centers, an organization he was passionate about. Jim is survived by his children Michael M. Hardy and Sarah M. Masoin (Pierre Masoin), his brother Charles J. Hardy (Sharon Hardy), Mary and Molly Malcolm, his ex wife Naomi Morey and his best friend Demi Caris. Shiva will be held at his home 43 Slater Avenue, Providence, Sunday, Nov. 15 from 2 8pm. A memorial service will be held at Manning Chapel, Brown University on Saturday, Nov. 21st at 2pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jim's memory to Providence Community Health Centers.

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

Published by The Providence Journal on Nov. 12, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hardy

30 Entries

Dennis DeVona

November 6, 2022

Will always remember Jim as a good man with a helpful soul. I met him in a store with his son once and told his son how special he was and how much he meant to my family. The best that one can hope is that his children inherited who he was in a way that makes them and those around them as special as Jim...

Dennis DeVona

August 3, 2016

Jim's kind and caring spirit towered over his talents as a lawyer but he was a brilliant professional who in the abyss of great impending personal losses threw light in dark corners that I didn't think possible. He impressed me so much as a person that I realized being a lawyer for him was just a vehicle for his kindness and good spirit. So when I ran into he and his son in a store once, because I knew his work must've taken him away from his boy at times I grabbed the opportunity to mention to his son how much good the man does while he was away from home; how critical he was at elevating other people's lives. Nothing can replace a man going to work when a child needs him, so I hoped that I did a little for his son of what Jim did for me and my family. I wish I could have done more...
So with the fullest heart we extend love to Jim's family. I can only hope that they carry his greatest gifts deep in their hearts throughout their entire lives, and pass on those gifts to their children and their children. Those gifts are precious and I think Jim knew that they can make a lasting impact on the world if exercised properly. I think that is the greatness of Jim's legacy...

April 2, 2016

To the Hardy Family,
I just learned today of your Dads passing. I met him years ago when he helped my dads estate & also with my friends legal matters. He was a great man who cared about my dad(Alzheimers) well being during this trying time. Jim honestly cared about people & it showed in his work. My prayers & thoughts for all. Richard T Camp

Joan Rooks

December 7, 2015

I have read all the tributes about this extraordinary man, James Hardy, and I am profoundly moved by the quality of his life. I know of him as his great companion, Mary Malcolm, is a dear friend of mine. I've never known of anyone who so fully used their mind and heart in service to other people. He truly lived the ideal to 'love the neighbor as thyself' Thank you, Jim, for your example.

George Beazley

December 6, 2015

I was very sorry to hear of his death. I know Jim from Legal Aid in Jacksonville in the 1970's. He was a very caring person.

Allan Raskin

November 20, 2015

Jim was from the same neighborhood as I, Bannockburn, in Bethesda, Md, but I actually met him playing tennis here in RI and we were tennis partners for years. He also played a fine tennis racket air guitar. He salvaged my father-in-law's estate when my mother got Alzheimer's and had to go to a nursing home. Jim spent hours and hours on it, and then presented the tiniest bill you could imagine. After a close friend of mine friend suffered a devastating illness without insurance, Jim salvaged everything for her and her husband, and didn't charge them a cent! Unbelievable. There are too few people like him in this world.
Jim, you will be missed! RIP and condolences to his family.

November 19, 2015

Jim had that enviable ability as a lawyer to make his clients feel that when he said, "It will be alright," it actually would be. I will miss his guidance as well as his friendship. Barbara Hurst

November 17, 2015

Jim hired me as a young lawyer at RI Legal Services, and provided excellent elder law services to my mom 20 years later. I will remember his dedication and generosity. My his family be comforted. Judy Kaye

November 17, 2015

Hello,
Mr Hardy helped me as a senior in getting my estate together. He was the most caring person with so much knowledge and he made you feel as if you were the only one and gave you all the time in the world. Loved this man and I shell miss him and all his help. My Deepest Sympathies to all his family.
Mary Iarussi

Jacquelyn Coffey

November 17, 2015

Jim was a wonderfully kind, honest and caring person. He was also an incredibly bright guy with a sparkling wit. To his family and friends...I am so sorry for your loss.
You have so much to be proud of. May your good memories of your Dad/Jim bring you peace.

November 15, 2015

Lieve Naomi, Sarah, Michael and Pierre, Grateful for the 28 years of friendship, and unique Jim, only one of a kind. " May you continue to see the lights surrounding you..." in this dark season. Shalom, Murkje de Vries and family.

Mary Loynds

November 15, 2015

To the Hardy family, Jim was such a wonderful man. He helped my family & friends in so many ways over the years. He will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathies,
Mary Loynds & family

Marie-A. and Michel-H. Masoin

November 15, 2015

Jim, as your French "in laws" we are priviliged to have you as part of our family. We are truly grateful for all the help and advice you have given Pierre since he has known Sarah. May you continue to look after them. You will always be remembered. With love

Daphne Harden

November 15, 2015

Dearest Mary, Molly, Timmy, Michael, and Sarah: I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was one of life's treasures, enriching the lives of all he touched. We are all blessed to have shared time with him. The thought of him will always bring a smile to my face.

Pete Elman

November 14, 2015

Jimmy was my neighbor as a kid and my late brother's great friend. I reconnected with him recently after 45 years, and it felt like 45 minutes. He was a terrific guy. Vaya con dios, James.

Liz Stott

November 14, 2015

Dear Michael and family,

I am very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Marie Bockwinkel

November 14, 2015

We will miss our dear friend and colleague at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. Jim was a caring person with a great sense of humor. We had a lot of fun together. Sympathy to his family and friends at this great loss.

November 14, 2015

A good man gone too soon. Our deepest sympathies to all. Jim will be missed but not forgotten.

Mike Milito and Judy Fox

November 13, 2015

MAY YOU BE AT PEACE NOW,
WAYNE & ALICE LEE;PORTLAND,OR

Elisabeth & Anthony MASOIN-DEVRIES

November 13, 2015

We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Sarah and Pierre.
from Pierre's Aunt, Elisabeth and Anthony
Masoin-Devries. Brussels, Belgium

Ralph Ciunci

November 12, 2015

Michael and Sarah, Jim was one of the smartest people that I have had the pleasure of working with. He was always an advocate for his clients. I will miss his early morning telephone calls.

Molly Malcolm

November 12, 2015

Jim will be remembered for his staunch refusal to be anything other than his truest self.....an inspiring thing for us all to hold onto in our own lives.

Judith Covington

November 12, 2015

To The Hardy Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at Legal Services where he was instrumental in changing many people's lives. This world was made a better place because of him. My prayers are with your family at this time.

Mary Malcolm

November 12, 2015

Sarah and Michael, I am so sorry for your loss and for the loss of all who loved your dad.I have known Jimmy for most of my life and the rest won't be the same without him in it. He was truly a unique force in this world and to all who knew him.

Joan Rooks

November 12, 2015

Dearest Mary,
I am so deeply sorry for your great loss. Please know you, Molly and all of Jim's loved ones are in my heart. You brought Jim love and happiness....there is no greater gift. You and Jim shall always be in each others heart. Sending my love to you dear. dear friend, Joan M. Rooks

Fred Feller

November 12, 2015

Sarah and Michael, Mary and Molly, you know that, through more than 50 years of close friendship, Jim was always one of the wisest, wittiest and most supportive people in my life. Above all, there was no one with higher integrity. In recent years, Alice and I had the great joy of time spent with Jim and Mary on various travel adventures which were always wonderful experiences. Our hearts go out to all of you.

Diane Iachetti

November 12, 2015

Sarah and Michael, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. He was quite the character,frequently making me laugh. I will remember him fondly.

Lori Gomes

November 12, 2015

Sarah and Michael your father will never be forgotten Sorry for your loss.

Lois Pickering & Family

November 12, 2015

Thank you so much for helping my family and me with all our legal situations. You made it so easy for us all. Miss you.

Donna Sousa

November 12, 2015

Sarah and Michael, your father was one in a million. I am so sorry for your loss.