James Donald Hardesty 89, of Vincennes, IN, took his last breath on December 1, 2022. He was born in Waverly, Kentucky October 3, 1933, to the parents of William James Hardesty and Nova (Horn). He was known to many of his family members as “Jackie”.
He graduated Mater Dei High School in Evansville. He began working for Indiana Bell at the age of 19 as a cable repairman and continued there for 41 years until his retirement.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, the VFW, the FOP, the Knox County Trail Riders, and the Coonhunters Club.
He was also a member of the Old Cathedral Church and sang in the choir for many years.
James was a devoted husband, companion, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He never met a stranger. He loved to dance and had the kindest of hearts.
He loved animals, having many dogs, horses, mules and even a raccoon throughout his life. He was always feeding the rabbits and squirrels and catching various creatures at his home. He would randomly take straw to any cold dog he would see.
James was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many weekends camping and trail riding with his horses and mules. He loved all kinds of hunting, especially with his coondogs and beagles.
He either jogged or walked the cemetery everyday since he was 26 years old.
James loved kids. He attended all of his daughters’ sporting events. He would end his workday by playing ball until dark with his daughters or teasing the neighborhood kids. He was in charge of the Union Picnic games ensuring that every child played and earned a dollar.
He was a jokester, a flirt, and would give a stranger the shirt off of his back. The world was a better place because of him.
James is survived by his companion of 22 years, Carolyn Sue Moore; his daughters Shannon Hardesty of Vincennes, and Stacy Hardesty-Gray (husband Andy) of Canaan, IN; grandchildren Megan Bowman (husband Justin) of Dallas GA, Brittany Higgins (husband Brad) of Aurora, IN, and McKenzy Gray of Canaan, IN; great grandchildren Parker and Turner Bowman; Huxton, Grayson, and Hadley Higgins; siblings William Hardesty of Kentucky, Myrna Senick of Florida, and Marlene Helstley of California, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 32 years, Barbara Hardesty; brother in laws John Senick and Richard Heltsley, and sister-in-law Jean Hardesty.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 am Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Old Cathedral with Rev. Tony Ernst and Rev. Garrett Braun officiating. Friends may visit from 11:30 until the time of the Mass. Following the Mass a Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Francis Xavier Parish, 205 Church St., Vincennes IN 47591. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with James’s arrangements.
