James T. Hardy

James T. “Jim” Hardy, husband, brother, social worker, and musician passed away on December 29, 2024 while at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, MI.

Born on March 9, 1941 in Alpena, MI to Rhea and Court Hardy, he was the first of six more children to follow.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father; 2 daughters, Natalie and Rebecca; 3 brothers, Michael, David, and Patrick; and two sisters, Suzanne and Mary Lou.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; son, Adam (Melanie); 2 stepdaughters, Melissa (Peter) Hoyt; Michelle (Chris) Charland and his baby sister, Josie and family. He is also survived by his six wonderful grandchildren, Madeline, Autumn, Brooke, Lydia, Isabelle, and Drew whom he cherished so very much and loved with all his heart.

Jim is also survived by many others in the LaCross and Hardy family. He appreciated each of you that shared in his life.

After high school Jim served in the US Navy. He then returned to Michigan and attended Saginaw Valley College ending with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His career in social work took him from juvenile court in Alpena to eventually Traverse City where he worked as a foster care specialist for Child and Family Services until his retirement.

Jim’s passion and his favorite pastime was music. As a guitar player he played in many bands from Alpena to Traverse City, making close friends along the way.

His love of the outdoors spending time hiking, biking, and cross country skiing brought him immense pleasure also.

Jim, you will be missed deeply by all of us. However, we know that you are now free of the pain and at peace at last.

We would like to send a special thanks to all the wonderful people at Hospice House who made Jim’s final days in comfort and care. You are all very special people.

A celebration of Life is being planned in the Spring with burial at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Details to follow on the Life Story Funeral Home webpage at www.lifestorytc.com. Please share your thoughts and more.