John M. Hardy

He is survived by his devoted wife Maxine of 66 years, Sue B. Hardy; his daughter, John (Rita) Hardy; his son, His grandchildren; Chris (Rebecca) Cable, Jennifer (Josh) Perrot, Tina (Ty) Hamelin, Rusty (Laura) Kahoe, Melissa (Michael) Johnson, his great grandchildren Jessica Hamelin, Brad, Nick, Zak Johnson, Haydn Kahoe, Declan Perrot and many close friends.

Mr. Hardy was born and reared in Denver, Colorado, the son of William G. and Minnie Hardy. He was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville.

As a steadfast young man John graduated from North Denver High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Colorado in 1943 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He met his wife, Maxine Barrett, while in college and they were married in 1944 at Forrest Lawn, Ca. Shortly after getting married, he joined the U.S. Navy, and served his country from 1944 to 1946. The Navy brought him to Jacksonville where he started a career in the Printing and Publishing Industry with Mac Paper Company; where he retired as the Vice President.

Mr. Hardy served on many organizational boards throughout his lifetime; he prided himself on learning about and developing business relationships while he was President of the Jacksonville Printing House Craftsman, and as a Board Member of the Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made while being devoted to his passion of helping others in his community. John was involved in the Sertoma International and Rotary International, and served on the Board of Hope Haven Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville.

John was a dedicated man who took great honor in the many fraternal organizations that he belonged. He was a member of the Ionic Lodge #101 in Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Consistory, Scottish Rite Bodies where he achieved 33 degree Mason and worked actively with degree work in the bodies. He was also a member of the Duval Chapter #48 Royal Arch Masons, Hallmark Council and Damascus Commandery of Jacksonville, a Past Puissant Sovereign of Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, and past director of the Royal Order of Jesters Court #90.

Devotion described Mr. Hardy as a member of the Morocco Shrine; he served as Potentate in 1960, participated in uniform units as a member of the Morocco Shriners Band, Pilgrimage committee, and an Emeritus member of Board of Tampa Unit Shriners Hospital for Crippled and Burned Children. After being Potentate, Mr. Hardy became Imperial Chaplin and Recorder for 15 years.

With an outgoing personality Mr. Hardy never met a stranger as he worked very closely as a Board member and Chairmen of the Greenville Unit Shriners Hospital for Crippled and Burned Children. While on the board he held the offices of Cabiri and Secretary. His experience in the printing industry helped facilitate his position as the Editor of the Morocco Shrine Publication.

Mr. Hardy was a longtime member of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, Board of Deacons, Board of Elders, lay minister and Chairmen of the Board. He was active on the yearbook committees for Disciples of Christ in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Hardy will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend with a great sense of humor, an honest character and a devotion to the many who touched his life.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in honor of Mr. Hardy to the following organizations:

Riverside Christian Church, 2841 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, Fl 32205 OR Morocco Shrine Center, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Rd. Jacksonville, Fl 32224

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of John M. Hardy will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 11am. The service will be held at Riverside Christian Church, 2841 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, Fl 32205.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL.