James received his formal education in Coosa County until drafted into the United States Navy during WWII at the age of 17. After serving his country, he returned to Coosa County, AL to complete his high school education where he first met Alfredia Mitchell. He then went to Tuskegee Institute to study Agriculture and Farming. A few years later he left Alabama in search of work.
When James was ready to marry and start a family, he sent a Valentine and an engagement ring to Alfredia Mitchell who had relocated in Los Angeles, CA. On July 12, 1953, James and Alfredia were married at Union Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California. The newlyweds relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to live out their American Dream. James built a wonderful life with his wife in Milwaukee. After working a few factory jobs, he started a career with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. As a valued, dedicated and well-respected employee he lived the unofficial motto of the Post Office, “Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Dark of Night…” He was loving known as “The Mailman” to all he encountered. In November of 1986, James retired from the US Postal Service with many accolades.
During retirement, James enjoyed traveling, gardening, collecting aluminum cans, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
On Thursday, October 24, 2019 while surrounded by family, God said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” and called James home.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019 at 9:00am at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama, with a Chapel Service to follow at 10:00am. Burial will be later that afternoon at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. James was preceded in death by his parents, Tilman Hardy, Beatrice (Hooks) Hardy; brothers, Tilman Hardy Jr., Johnny Hardy, Leon (Sonny) Hardy; sisters, Gladys Hardy, Velma Turner, Susan Hollenquest, Kate Cohill, Nell Jones. He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his Beloved wife, Alfredia Hardy; four children, Yolanda Hardy-Vick (Paul), Brenda Allen (Willie), James A. Hardy, Mary Mitchell (Floyd); and Brother, William (Buddy) Hardy (Denise); eleven grandchildren, William(Terrod) Allen, Willie Allen, Trinese Hardy, Erica Allen, Brittany Mitchell, Sondra Wagner, Jazzmn Ference, Bianca Teague, Victoria Mitchell, Monica Mitchell, and Avaughna Hardy; thirteen great-grandchildren, Brandon Allen, Xaiver Allen, Zaniya Gentry, Joshua Allen, Melanie Wagner, David Allen, Damien Wagner, Serenity Wilson, Teion Teague, Taylor Teague, Ethan Cary, Avyiona Sanders and Neriah Charles (due March 4, 2020).
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