James S. Hardwick of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at his residence.

James was born July 29, 1940, in Martin, Kentucky, to Beecher and Myrtle Bailey Hardwick. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Brian Hardwick, and two brothers, Tom and John Hardwick.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Claudia Murphy Hardwick; one daughter, Lora Hardwick Pace and her husband Joel of Morehead, Kentucky; 3 grandchildren, Bethany Pace of Lexington, Kentucky, Alex Pace of Louisville, Kentucky, and James Eli Hardwick of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Michelle Khosla-Hardwick; two nephews, Bret and Brad Hardwick; sister-in-law, Chady Hardwick, as well as several cousins.

In 1958, Jim graduated from Betsy Layne High School. He joined and proudly served in the United States Army for 3 1/2 years. He served more than two of those years in Germany. After being honorably discharged he worked for the C&O railroad in Martin, Kentucky. It was in Martin that he met Claudia. They were married January 18, 1964, and moved to Miamisburg, Ohio, where Jim worked at Monsanto, Chrysler, and General Motors. While living in Ohio, they had two children, Lora and Brian.  They became members of Friendship Baptist Church in Miamisburg, Ohio.  The family loved that church and had many friends there.  Then the decision was made to come back to Kentucky. He worked at Brandies and Wilson Equipment as a heavy equipment mechanic. He later went to work at Toyota in Georgetown and retired from there at age 65.  Upon retirement, they moved to Morehead to be closer to their daughter Lora and her family.

Jim served his country by joining the United States Army. Jim served his community by joining the Betsy Layne Fire Department and becoming an EMT and a CPR instructor. He was President of the fire department for a few years.  He loved being a part of the fire department and was liked and respected by all the members.

Jim was a Christian, a good son, brother, dad, friend, a wonderful, devoted husband, and the best grandfather to Bethany, Alex, and Eli.   He was an ordained Deacon and Minister.  Jim was a hard worker and was always a kind gentle man. He loved his family and loved having the family at home to celebrate the holidays.  He loved good home cooking and was always happy when the family could be home. He especially loved his grandchildren.   He always raised the best gardens and could grow beautiful flowers. He enjoyed fishing but his greatest hobby was woodworking. He could take a piece of wood and make something beautiful. He also made gliders and chairs for the porch and also made trays and checker boards and many other beautiful things.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Jim and Claudia felt God had richly blessed their lives for 61 years and were thankful for each day.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Spriggs officiating. Following the funeral service, full military honors will be presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com