Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Hardin Obituary
James W. Hardin, 71, of Custer, Wisconsin, passed away on November 15, 2014, at House of the Dove, Marshfield.
Jim was born in Martin County, Kentucky, son of the late T. J. and Lucille Hardin. He completed his Bachelor and Masters degrees at the University of Kentucky and taught at Memphis State University prior to obtaining his PhD. in Wildlife Biology at Southern Illinois University. He taught at SIU and was assistant director of the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory. In 1978, he began teaching in the College of Natural Resources at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where he was dedicated to his students and continued advising until his illness in September, 2014.
He was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Paws Reading Program, in second grade at Bannach School. He and his therapy dog, Bachelor, visited St. Michael's Hospital and the Clinic, as well as area nursing homes on a weekly basis.
He married his beloved wife and life partner, Ellen, in 1976, who survives. He is survived further by his sister, Mary Lou (A.J.) Haney, niece, Dr. Melissa (Dr. Robbie) Fletcher, nephew, Dr. John Haney, nephew, Lt. Commander Matthew (Katie) Fay, US Navy, and niece, Mallory (Eric) Bernstein, and special great nieces and nephews Abigail, Jacob and Eli Fletcher, Natalie and James Fay and Connor Bernstein.
Funeral services will be Friday, November 21, 2014, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point, at noon with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Jim's cremains will be buried at his family cemetery in Inez, Kentucky, in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "UWSP Foundation - James and Ellen Hardin Wildlife Field Scholar," 2100 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or online at www.uwsp.edu/givenow and designate "James & Ellen Hardin Wildlife Field Scholar." Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.JJBFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hardin
Kathy Mollette Ditty
December 3, 2014
Ellen, Mary Lou and family. I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My parents, Arnold and Nell Mollette, loved TJ, Lucille, Jim and Mary Lou. In addition to being close friends all their lives my Mother and TJ were first cousins. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Love and prayers.
Carlos Webb
November 27, 2014
To the Hardin family, Sorry for your loss. I never forgot trying to get homework answers from James back in high school. James would always tell us to "figure it out". It was a privilege to have known him.
Jean Hunt O'Neil
November 24, 2014
Jim was a fine gentleman. What a smile and cheer he had. Many in the wildlife profession and in his volunteer activities will miss him very much. I am happy that I knew him. I am grateful that many students had the opportunity to know and learn from him.
Scott Johnson
November 21, 2014
One of the kindest and most compassionate in the wildlife profession. Always had a smile and good word to say whenever our paths crossed.
Jack Nawrot
November 20, 2014
Images of Jim trapping, tagging, and tracking Florida Key Deer in the 1970's with Nova Silvy and “Doc” represented my fondest stereotype of how much fun and hard work wildlife graduate students could experience at our Lab. Jim was an excellent role model of a hard working older graduate student. As a younger graduate student at our (SIUC) Wildlife Lab I looked forward to attending Doc's required graduate seminars when Jim and Nova discussed their key Deer research. …..always entertaining, motivational, and educational!
I enjoyed meeting and working with Jim's former Stevens Point students who came to our Lab in the late 1990's to begin their graduate wildlife careers. When Jim's letter of recommendation recognized a prospective student's professional work ethic, there was no question that Jim had inspired and motivated another wildlife professional.
Jack Nawrot
Scott Hygnstrom
November 20, 2014
I believe the entire UWSP community is saddened by the loss of Dr. Hardin. Jim was a kind and passionate man with a gift for teaching. He excelled in this capacity and was nationally recognized for it. I was one of the fortunate to call Jim advisor and mentor. He had a lasting impact on my life and the lives of thousands of other students. Upon returning to Stevens Point after many years, I was looking forward to working with him closely again. He will be missed by many.
November 20, 2014
Ellen,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband Jim. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know him but have heard many wonderful things about him.
November 19, 2014
There is never enough time. You and Jim shared so many memories to all the places you traveled and all the adventures through the Goldens. He was a very staunch supporter of your goals. A gentle soul. My thoughts are with you. Cindy
Sarah Scheunemann
November 19, 2014
Thoughts to his family during this time. I played in the City Band with Jim and though I didn't know him well, I always enjoyed the short conversations we did have. I admired his always positive attitude and his welcoming smile. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
John Roseberry
November 19, 2014
I am truly saddened by the news of Jim's passing. Although our professional paths did not often converge, I have nothing but fond memories of our time together at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
John Roseberry
David Ross
November 19, 2014
Dr. Hardin was a very kind professor. He always looked for the good in people. He was one of my mentors. My condolences to the Hardin family.
Tim Ginnett
November 19, 2014
We will miss Jim greatly in the CNR. He was the consummate professional, a true gentleman, a great colleague, and a friend. He touched the lives of thousands of students over his career teaching and most recently advising. Farewell friend.
Linda Carmichael
November 19, 2014
Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a good and kind man, with a wonderful smile. Reading through the guest book it is obvious how many lives he touched in such a positive way.
Linda Redfield
November 19, 2014
Ellen we are so very sorry for your loss and are praying for you in this very difficult time. Godspeed Jim!
Diane Bernstein
November 19, 2014
Although I only recently had the pleasure of knowing Jim, I was in awe of all his talents especially all the pictures he took at my son, Eric's wedding to Mallory and then pictures he took at my grandson, Connor's Christening. My deepest sympathy to Ellen during this difficult time.
Cindy Scherwinski
November 19, 2014
Al and I are sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Wishing you abundant blessings as you begin this new life journey. We hope it helps to know that so many people are lifting you up in thought and prayer.
November 19, 2014
There are never any words to say how tragic this was. He was not ready to grow old. He was so involved in community and friends and kept being involved with the dogs to try and help out others. So sad for your loss and the world with miss him and the people whom he interacted with. Memories will last forever. Cindy
Aimee Coy
November 18, 2014
Ellen and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Dr. Hardin was a wonderful teacher and I am blessed to have been one of his students at UWSP. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cindy Renner
November 18, 2014
Ellen I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Jim a few times while training with you, and I remember him being kind and welcoming. Please know that I send a warm hug and kind words to you.
Ronald Crunkilton
November 18, 2014
Deb and I are so sorry for your loss. I am glad Jim was able to spend some precious time with family, friends and colleagues these past few days. I will always rememeber his dedication to students here on campus and love of working with them in the fields and forests of Treehaven.
November 18, 2014
I did know James well but he and bachelor
visited me at St. Mikes several times when I was sick. What a wonderful experience that was. He will be missed.
Irene Kurzawa
Rebekah Kallas
November 18, 2014
To the family of Jim -- I am so very sorry for your tragic loss! I work at Saint Michael's Hospital and would always look forward to Tuesdays, when Jim and Bachelor would come in. Jim was always so very kind and easy to talk to and I will miss him dearly! You are all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
November 18, 2014
Wow, I can't believe Dr. Hardin is gone. He took an unmotivated student under his wing and with encouragement and compassion showed me the joys of a job well-done. He had a big part in my not dropping out of college.
My sympathies to you and the UWSP family for the incredible loss.
Rick Buser, Wildlife Alumni, 1989
November 18, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss, Ellen. Jim was such a caring, selfless, wonderful man. I'll always remember caring after his birds, along with the dogs and cats. :) You're in my thoughts, Ellen.
November 18, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss Ellen and Family,
Dr. Hardin was my professor from 2003-2005. I worked with him as the Wildlife T.A. at Treehaven. He was such a kind and gentle soul. He was a wonderful teacher and made such an impression on me as a college student. He will be greatly missed. Please know that we send our prayers.
Katie Perryman-Gebhardt
Lorelei & Don Wiza
November 18, 2014
a true gentleman, with a constant, approachable smile. He will be missed
Vickie VonSeggern
November 18, 2014
Ellen, I am so sad to hear of Jim's passing. I recall some years ago, the 2 of you did a program for PCKC about your experiences tracking, and Jim made a video of it. He was a great partner in your adventures. Please know all of us in the dog fancy are thinking of you & sending prayers.
November 18, 2014
Ellen I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Renea Dahms
November 18, 2014
I will always think fondly of Dr. Hardin. What a wonderful, gifted professor and a very kind man.
Bruce & Annette Daczyk
November 18, 2014
Ellen, my deepest condolences to you and your families. My heart is heavy for you at this very difficult time. We will keep you close in thought and will be saying prayers for you. Annette & Bruce Daczyk
November 18, 2014
Ellen Just want to let you how much joy Jim and Bachelor gave me. Jime will be missed very much. my prayers are with you. Pat Hutkowski
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in James Hardin's name
Memorial Events
for James Hardin
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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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
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
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Hardin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
