James B. Hardy

October 1, 1940 - February 19, 2020

James B. Hardy, 79, passed away on February 19, 2020 In Mt. Dora, Florida surrounded by family after a brief illness. James (Jim) was born on October 1, 1940 in Paducah, Kentucky to Robert and Velvalene Hardy. Jim spent his early years living on his grandparent’s farm. His stepfather, Jim Haley, came into his life at an early age, and Jim considered him his dad. Jim attended Tilghman High School and played on the school’s football, basketball and tennis teams. Jim followed in his two older brother’s footsteps and accepted a college scholarship to play football. Jim received several college offers before selecting Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt, Jim was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and a keen bridge player. Jim married his first wife while still in college and they had two children. After college, Jim began managing pool cafes and swim wear sales for several Nashville swim clubs before moving his family to Louisville, Kentucky and joining Kentucky Fried Chicken. Jim started as a manager trainee and worked his way up to Franchise Sales Manager. Jim left KFC after accepting a position with Nashville based Shoney’s Inc. to oversee their Captain D’s franchise program. He rose through the management ranks at Captain D’s to became division President and later oversaw Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. Jim left Shoney’s in the early 1980s to focus on his franchise and real estate company with his longtime business partners. Jim was a sports enthusiast throughout his life. He enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events, playing tennis, snow skiing, and boating. He loved to watch sports, especially SEC football and basketball. Jim enjoyed traveling, but spending time at his Crested Butte, Colorado home with family and friends was his preferred destination. Jim had a big personality, was generous in giving, and loved his family and extended family. Jim was preceded in death by his stepfather and mother, Jim and Velvalene Haley; father, Robert L. Hardy, brother Robert M. Hardy; and, brother William Hardy. Jim is survived by his son, Michael Wayne (Judy) Hardy of Mt. Dora, FL; his daughter, Debra Lynn (Leon) Stevens of Brentwood, TN; 5 grandchildren, Brittany (Paul) Weathers, Michael Lindley, Madeline Lindley; James (Ashley) Hardy, Kendall Hardy; and, 1 great-granddaughter, Rylan. Private services will be held by the family. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.