James W. Hardy - Obituary

ames William Hardy, 97, of Edgewater, Maryland, passed away on October 15, 2026. Jim was born in Washington, D.C. on February 17, 1929, and was raised in Takoma Park. He attended Blair High School and, in 1949, followed in his father’s footsteps by beginning his long career at Chevy Chase Club. Jim also served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and enjoyed sharing stories about his service, the people he served with, and their off‑duty adventures. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Esther Hardy; his sister, Nelle Burns; his wife, Ann Hardy; and his daughter, Nancy Hardesty. He is survived by his brother, John Hardy (Marsha); his four children, Bill (Cheryl) Hardy, Mary Jo Clark (Ron), Jean Decker, and Kathy Kindig; eleven grandchildren — Brett (Christina) Hardy, Tyler (Kayla) Hardy, Dyton Clark, Heath Clark, Joe Decker, Christopher (Rachel) Hardesty, Jeffrey Hardesty, Chase Kindig, Kate Kindig (Alex), Cole (Tori) Kindig, and Kay Ann Kindig (Conner); and seven great‑grandchildren — Stephen Bradley, Chelsea Hardy, Marlie Hardesty, Charlotte and Grant Hardy, Saylor and Walker Hardesty. Jim raised his family in Edgewater in a small cottage on Almshouse Creek, where he welcomed neighborhood children year‑round — swimming in the summer, ice‑skating in the winter, or simply gathering in the basement to play cards and listen to music. His home became a refuge for many, offering a safe, loving, and fun place to grow up and avoid the trouble that often found teenagers in the neighborhood. As the years went on, Jim devoted himself to his grandchildren — cheering them on in every stage of life. He never met a stranger. He greeted everyone warmly, learned their names and stories, and quietly supported those in need. Family and friends are invited to celebrate James' life on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10 am until a memorial service begins at 11am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local first responders.