James (Jim) Davenport Hardy passed away Oct. 7 due to complications of recent illnesses. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Dec. 18, 1942, and grew up in Amherst. He attended Holyoke Community College and went on to graduate from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1965. James had a long and dedicated career in the insurance industry. He served on the Bicentennial Commission for Bellingham and was an active member of both the Jaycees and the Foxborough Lions Club.
James was also an usher at Sullivan Stadium, a role he truly enjoyed, especially working in security. A huge New England Patriots fan, he took great pride in his game day duties. After ushering, he was responsible for sitting by the goal post and pulling up the net for field goals and extra points – a special treat for an ardent fan.
An avid golfer, Jim enjoyed the game throughout his life. Some of his favorite times were travelling for tournaments and for family vacations. If you didn’t find him spending time with his family, he was likely watching sports or playing with his tools and gadgets. He took great pride in maintaining his home – caring for his lawns in the summer and snow blowing his driveways in the winter. Both were always kept in perfect condition.
Jim was a loving father and husband who was loyal, compassionate, and funny all at the same time. That probably explains why his favorite Disney characters were Goofy and Donald Duck. Everyone who met him always commented on what a great man he was to his family.
We ask that he is remembered for the impact he had on everyone he met. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh.
He is survived by his daughter, Carrol Jane Hardy of Norton, Massachusetts; his son, James “Jamie” Davenport Hardy, Jr. of Tampa, Florida; and his two stepchildren, whom he helped raise, Heather Nickerson of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, and Seth Nickerson of Barnstable, Massachusetts; his step-granddaughter Hazel Nickerson, and his grandson Legend Davenport Hardy. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Ann Hardy.
A Celebration of Life service and reception to honor the life of James Davenport Hardy will be held on Oct. 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at East Bay Grille, 173 Water St., Plymouth. A welcome and service will be held at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the New England Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Arrangements are through Cartmell-Davis Funeral Homes.