ForeverMissed
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His Life
November 21, 2012

James Andrew Hardy, fondly called “Coach” or “Hardy”, was born on August 15, 1926 to the late Andrew and Ella Hardy in Brewton, Alabama.  James was one of six siblings, of whom three; Dan, Mary and Myrtis preceded him in death.

On September 18, 1954, he was united in holy matrimony to Oreatha Cumberlander.  They were married for 58 years until his death.  To this union two children were born; Anthony Andrew and Sybil Suzette.  Sybil died as an infant. 

James Hardy confessed Christ at an early age while attending Baptist Hill Baptist Church in Brewton.  He was active in Sunday school, the choir and worked as a member of the building and grounds committee.  In January 1955, James joined the St. John Baptist Church in Lanett, Alabama under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C. C. Cloud. He faithfully served as a member and leader in many aspects of the church.  As a member, he was active in the male choir, bus ministry and served as a Sunday school teacher. His leadership role included Superintendent of Sunday School and Church treasurer. He was chair of the Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Buildings and Grounds Committee, Bus Ministry and Laymen’s Board. As a Layman, Deacon Hardy worked many years with the Bowen East District at the local level as well as the national level. He attended many annual events of the National Baptist Convention while accompanying his wife. Deacon Hardy was an active, faithful servant for his Lord and Savior until his health limited his involvement. 

James Andrew’s secondary education was interrupted due to his call to duty in the Army Air Force while attending Southern Normal High School in his native hometown. He served his country from April 1945 to December 1946. His first assignment was in Millrock, California where he worked as a supply clerk.  James reenlisted and was sent to Okinawa, Japan where he worked supply and guarded Japanese prisoners.  In 2011, James was invited to attend a World War II celebration in Washington, DC.  He, along with other servicemen from the Valley were honored and awarded as proud veterans of WWII of the United States of America. 

After his military service, James returned from the war to finish his education.  Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled in Alabama State University where he majored in Social Studies and Physical Education.  He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Later, James attended Auburn University to further his post graduate studies. 

Immediately following college, James began his career as an educator at Lanier High School. He took on double responsibilities as both the girls and boys physical education instructor.  He coached junior and varsity basketball and football. He stressed school pride, respect for self and authority, fair play, personal hygiene and to always give 100% in every endeavor.  Students understood they had to be in class on time, were expected to stay in school, keep up their grades, practice good sportsmanship and to take care of school property. According to L. B. Sykes, principal, the school took on a different atmosphere due to his hard work, devotion and commitment.  On June 21, 2006, the gymnasium at the Lanier High School was named the “James A. Hardy Gymnasium”.

Every year was a championship year at Lanier High School because he had taught students that they had done the best they could do; they were true champions.  Coach Hardy taught at Lanier High School from 1954 - 1969. During his tenure, he won the East Central Alabama Athletic Conference championships in 1960, 1962, 1963, and 1968. Coach Hardy was named Coach of the year in 1964.

After integration, Coach Hardy served as an assistant football coach at Lanett High School from 1969-1976. The school’s record during this time was 47 wins, 25 loses and 2 ties. Lanett made the State playoffs in 1971 and 1976. Coach Hardy was presented the NAACP Martin Luther King Man of the Year Award and was elected to the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in January 1977.  In 1999, the Lanett Athletic Booster Club awarded him the President’s Award. Coach Hardy was revered as a teacher, mentor and tower of strength by many generations of Valley students. 

To all who loved and called him friend, he will forever live on in their hearts. To cherish his memories are his faithful and best friend, companion, caregiver and loving wife,  Mrs. Oreatha Cumberlander Hardy, Lanett, AL;  a loving son and daughter-in-law, Anthony “Tony” Andrew(Juana) Hardy, Fayetteville, GA and precious granddaughter; Stephanie Hardy, Jonesboro, GA; a daughter Pinkie Lee Monroe and three grandchildren, Roger Jones, Michelle Wells, Michael Monroe, Cleveland, OH;  brother, Robert Stewart(Bertha) Hardy,  Brewton AL; sister, Esther Mae Hardy, Brewton, AL;  sister-in-law B.Kaye Johnson, New York, NY, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends. 

Also remembering James Andrew “Coach” Hardy with cherished memories are God children Willie and Sarah Bailey and children, Connie Walton, Mary Mitchell, Kenny, LaShicka and JaCarye Ward, Charlie Chivers, Willie Jerome, Sr. and Shelby Johnson, Willie Jerome “Hunter” (Kemiya) Johnson, Julia Harmon.  Special friends and cousins; Charlotte Grace, Tom and Catherine Cox, The Ulus Cumberlander Family, Doris Barber, Homer Carrie Broomfield, Jerome Glaze and Tommy Barrow.