James Hardiman - Barnes Family Funeral Home

Barnes Family Funerals - Samuel Evan Clair

Obituary
Condolences

James Hardiman, age 42 of Ozark, Missouri passed away Friday, August 29, 2014 in his home. He was born May 8, 1972 in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, loving son of Pauline (Marqua) Hardiman. James is survived by his loving mother Pauline of Ozark; his brother Jonathan and wife Janette of Springfield; two nephews Matthew and Alexander Hardiman; one niece Isabella Hardiman and several other caring relatives; his father Julius S. Hardiman of Florida. James loved his cats and all pets. Memorials in honor of James may be made to the no kill animal shelter, HFLCS, 225 New Hope Road, Buffalo, MO 65622, phone number 417-733-5068. Honoring James request no services are planned and his body has been cremated under the direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.

Condolences(44)

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Christie C says
September 2, 2014 at 4:34 am

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of James Hardiman. I would also like to share with you a scripture that I have found to be comforting. It is Revelation 21:4 where God promises that “he will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Imagine the joy we will feel when we greet our loved ones again.
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Clayton Mathis says
September 4, 2014 at 11:00 am

James “Jim” Hardiman’s animal artwork will be remembered:
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/skunkworks
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Vixine Team says
September 4, 2014 at 11:43 am

We are very sorry to learn this, our sincere condolences to the family. So long, James.
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Jaleo Frison says
September 4, 2014 at 11:46 am

Rest in peace James, may your family and your friends accept my condolences. You’ll be missed by a lot of people, I included. I’m sorry for we didn’t have many chances to talk, but may your beloved ones know that, when I was younger your work had inspired me and part of what my art is, is thanks to you. Take care my friend, I know you will be watching on us.

Jaleo.
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Jim Groat says
September 4, 2014 at 11:50 am

Godspeed you Jim, you checked out far far too soon from this world. Gonna miss you! Say Hi to McMoo.
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Bradley Starkey says
September 4, 2014 at 2:37 pm

Goodbye Jim, you were an amazing and talented guy! You will be missed!
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Shawntae Howard says
September 4, 2014 at 3:28 pm

I’ve known “Jim” for well over 15 years now and we often communicated via telephone about a sorts of random things and to learn of this today breaks my heart. My deepest and strongest condolences to you, his family. You son, was truly a good and loyal friend and truly an inspiration with so much talent that myself and I’m sure others will cherish for many years to come. He has truly made a difference in the lives of many people and he will be truly missed.
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Robert A. Curtis says
September 4, 2014 at 3:57 pm

From one of your many fans, God Speed and Rest…
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John Colandrea says
September 4, 2014 at 6:04 pm

James was an inspiration to many, gave so much and all he wanted was for us to laugh. His passing is felt deeply and I will mourn.
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Andrew & Sean says
September 4, 2014 at 7:18 pm

Goodbye Jim, you will be missed.
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Marshall Woods says
September 4, 2014 at 7:37 pm

My condolences to his family. He’ll be missed.
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James Hatley says
September 4, 2014 at 8:30 pm

Rest in peace my friend.

One of your loyal fans.

James
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M. Kish says
September 4, 2014 at 9:24 pm

I am truly sorry to hear of James’ passing. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, I greatly admired his artwork. His talent, friendliness, and humor were evident through his work. I hope his family and loved ones know how much he was appreciated by his many fans and friends.
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Chen, Daremo-Long says
September 4, 2014 at 11:57 pm

I first met Jim and his mom in Cleveland in ’96. He was always a good friend. Helpful even without knowing he was being so. I’d only just gotten back in touch recently. I feel bad I didn’t find out till late we lost him. He is greatly missed already.
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Patrick mnoholitny says
September 5, 2014 at 1:48 am

I send my heartfelt sorrow to his family for their loss.
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Bill Lemmond says
September 5, 2014 at 6:01 am

I only knew James through some of his art. I always appreciated his sense of humor. Comedy is very important to me, as I need all the smiles and laughs I can get. I hope it comforts you to know that he was doing important work that really helped at least one person.
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Patrick Schelm says
September 5, 2014 at 6:14 am

I met Jim years ago through his art and although I never had the chance to meet him in person, I deeply enjoyed our correspondence. He was a warmhearted, honest person I will painfully miss.
Goodbye dude, we will never forget you, rest in peace.
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Vickie Ginsberg says
September 5, 2014 at 8:15 am

I never had the privilege of meeting Jim but heard so many wonderful things about him from his Mom. Talented, loving & brave. These are three words that come to mind. My thoughts & prayers are with Pauline & her family at this time of sorrow.
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Nan Coppenrath says
September 5, 2014 at 8:25 am

I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I only met him briefly at MBNA in Florida, but know his Mom well. Pauline, my prayers are with you during this struggle.
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Shella OBrien says
September 5, 2014 at 8:49 am

Dear Pauline and Family,
Your sorry is deep. Jim’s pain is no more. He is free at last to go to God. He will continue to create and touch others lives as an angel. His kindness and love will continue forever and ever. Blessed be to God. Amen.
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Dennis & April Brown says
September 5, 2014 at 11:27 am

Pauline it is with great sadness to learn of the loss of your beloved son Jim. We join in prayer for your comfort during this time of grieving. He will be in your heart forever, and may his joy always be with you.
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R. Carter says
September 5, 2014 at 12:12 pm

Rest in peace, Jim. We’ll miss you.
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wayne marqua says
September 5, 2014 at 12:45 pm

Jim is my cousin and though we only met two Thanksgivings ago I felt a deep bond with him. His sense of humor,sarcasm,and beautiful art will be missed by all that had the pleasure of experiencing them. I believe he is in a better place now and am looking forward to seeing him in the future.
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Carlos Montgomery says
September 5, 2014 at 1:34 pm

Like so many, I only knew Jim through his art and the stories he told through his art.
*respect*
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O.Gonzalez says
September 6, 2014 at 1:12 am

You are gone but not forgotten. Rest well and God speed old friend. See you on the other side.
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Mike Olmeda says
September 6, 2014 at 12:11 pm

Goodbye Jim!
It was great to be your friend.
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Heather Massey says
September 7, 2014 at 5:13 am

Those we love don’t go away
they walk beside us everyday
Unseen unheard
but always near
Still loved still missed
and very dear
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Vaughn Saball says
September 7, 2014 at 5:33 pm

My condolences to his family and friends,
I had only spoken with him on occasion, more so in the past few months.
We talked about his motorcycles, and other fun things.
He always seemed pretty happy with life, even if his illness got in the way, he tried to see the lighter side of everything and tried not to let it get in the way of the things he loved.

Best wishes to everyone who was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of his life, he was pretty awesome, and he will be missed.
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Baz Yat says
September 7, 2014 at 9:41 pm

Over ten years ago, the art you drew helped bring me to the people who saved my life. We never met, or talked, but you and artists like you had a profound positive effect on my life,

Thank you, and goodbye.
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Keith A Vaughn says
September 8, 2014 at 2:19 pm

I loved Jims art I wish I could have got more,My condoleances to his family and may God help them through this time.
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nilly middleton says
September 8, 2014 at 6:28 pm

jim was a well known person for his art, I knew him as a car and bike fanatic.

he would talk about his pets and his red bike, he would talk about doing a road trip when he had gotten better, I even invited him over to Scotland for the highland bike run.

I will miss jim, his friends will miss jim but most of all his loving family will miss him so much more.

he body was a meer shell for something more and his love of life, family and friends he gave the world many things, his jokes, the twisted sense of humour and as well as his exotic artwork.

jim even though you are gone and cannot read these messages this is just a way of people accepting your loss and closure.

may your spirit live on and may we meet in the afterlife for a few drinks and partying.

your long distance friend
Billy
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Scrapper says
September 9, 2014 at 4:09 am

Jim, you will be missed – the characters and worlds (Skunkworks Anthropomorphic Modelling Agency, By The Tail, Caterwaul and others) you created, the images and stories you portrayed, the visions and inspirations you provided to so many. Such a pity that more of your wondrous ideas didn’t make their way onto paper.

I personally offer thanks for inspiring me to take up drawing – the first picture I ever submitted online was a fanart to Jim.

It seems sort of surreal that he is gone – I keep expecting to see a post from him saying he’s been a bit busy in Real Life recently and is back online again.

Scrapper, Moderator of Skunkworks AMA Group. It has been an honour to serve.
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Chris Kapper says
September 9, 2014 at 8:37 am

James was such a wonderful child growing up. I remember his incredible talents and his smile. He always knew how to make his friends laugh! I am very saddened to hear of his passing. He has brightened all of the lives he touched.

Peace, love, & blessings to all of his family and friends…

~Chris Kapper
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Kristin Zetting says
September 9, 2014 at 8:38 am

Rest in peace friend. My prayers to your family.
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Polly Dross says
September 9, 2014 at 10:42 am

Our thoughts are with you.

Polly and David
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Jennifer Marsland says
September 9, 2014 at 12:40 pm

I sat next to Jim in art class in high school. I was blown away even then by his artistic talent. He was always so nice and supportive of my attempts to draw as good as him. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss.
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Ragscoon says
September 12, 2014 at 8:08 pm

I am sorry to see you go old friend, you will be missed. I remember hanging out at your place in Florida eating meals with you and your parents. We had some awesome times feeding off each others’ energy and just generally having fun drawing and making fun of things. You had them all going buddy, and you still do. I hope you are still kicking ass and having fun where ever you are now my friend.
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Timothy "Sniffy" Slosky says
September 13, 2014 at 10:19 pm

I was never lucky enough to met Jim but we chatted off and on via the internet for the last few years of his life. He has been my favorite artist since 1997. I hold a lot of respect for the guy and he inspired me to improve on my drawing skills.
Many of his characters became iconic in the Furry Fandom. He is well respected and has many fans. I know Jim was very private about his personal life but I tried to get close to him and be his friend anyways. Unfortunately I couldn’t even get him to give me his phone number. I had no idea how bad off he was and it crushed me when I found out he passed. I refused to believe it was true for a few days. I can imagine his poor mom must be devastated.
I would like to give my condolences to his friends & family.

R.I.P. Jim
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amy gaspar says
November 7, 2014 at 5:32 pm

To Pauline and John, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I know that doesn’t help much. Not much does when you lose someone that is such a huge part of your life.
Jim, you were one of my best friends when I was a kid. You and John. I remember riding bikes with you guys and watching cartoons. You always imitated bugs bunny with “what’s up dock” with an imaginary carrot hanging out of your mouth. Wander if that’s how you got the knick name. I also remember you waring a cape from time to time. Especially when we were riding bikes. Maybe it made you feel like you were flying. Maybe that’s why you loved being on motorcycles so much. When you moved away I was so sad. I always felt like you watched out for me. When I heard from your mom that you passed I went into a frantic search for anything I could find that had to do with you. I found a letter that you wrote me in 1989 when you had moved to Ft. Lauderdale. You told me about your new love for heavy metal, and that you were working on a comic called “Fynl Ride”. Didn’t hear from you much after that, life went on for the both of us. I was so glad to be able to talk to you a few years ago. Learned of your love for motorcycles and your comics. I wish i would have got to know you better as an adult. But I have a good idea that you were a genuine one of a kind person.
Just reading some of these posts tells me that you impacted alot of people. Even those who never met you. To me, you will always be that young boy with the great smile who looked out for me. I will never forget you.
RIP my friend
amy
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Bryan VanDyne says
November 26, 2014 at 6:31 pm

Pauline,
I’m so sorry to hear about Jim. I wonder what he might say or what joke he might crack if he knew I said something sentimental about him now, but he will be dearly missed. The best motorcycle rides I ever went on in Missouri were with Jim down by Wilson’s Creek. He and I customized my first road bike there in the garage, and I’ll never forget some of those memories we shared listening to loud music and cursing at busted knuckles. Pauline, you’ll be in my thoughts. Goodbye Jim, you were one of the great ones.
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Dorrette says
November 30, 2014 at 9:48 pm

I really do not know where to begin. Jim was such a very good friend and just a wonderful human being! It was amazing how brave and strong he was, up until the very end I am sure, yet so frail. He loved life and his family (especially his mom), plus he always had that zest to do so much in such a short time. He will certainly NEVER be forgotten. He was very educated, intelligent and knowledgeable, not to mention his awesome talent. He was absolutely very special and maybe that is why he was taken from us so soon. I believe he is in a great place now, making use of his amazing talent! We will all miss hearing his kind voice, his pleasant smile and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. He went above and beyond to help everyone, plus he had the ability to fix just about anything. Jim had no prejudices that I am aware of and yes, he was always giving! He will be truly missed. I pray that his family and friends including myself, find joy and peace, knowing that we are not the only ones that will miss him, and that he is in a better place and out of pain.

We all are deeply sadden now because we are unable to see Jim to chat, smile, eat and have fun; but I am sure we will see him again in the future, then we will just pick-up where we left off.

Sadly missed by,
Dorrette and family.
11/30/2014
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SHERYL CARBONELL says
March 11, 2015 at 10:52 am

Jim, what can I say? During my foggy years of high school, you were one of the bright spots. I have a great memory but high school years were very tough years for me, trying to adjust to living in a new country, learning new customs whilst cracking the code of pubescent craziness. I faced a great deal of rejection and hostility. You, however, were so very accepting of me. At times I did not even know how to accept your generosity and kindness. We worked, just the two of us in that small classroom adjacent to the main classroom, on the Harbinger school newspaper for a year. You were so very very talented. Your artwork is amazing. You shared your love for music, Led Zeppelin cars, and so much more with me and I am so very honoured to be one of few people to have shared private moments with you. What a special, gifted eloquent man you were and always will be to me. All my love to your beautiful mother, Pauline and your brother and the rest of your family. Thank you Jim for your life, love and care.
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Kjartan Arnorsson says
August 14, 2015 at 4:45 pm

James was one of my favorite International Cartoonist Conspiracy collaborators. He had a similar sense of humor to mine, was always fun to trade talk and toons with, and good gods, could he draw!
I am going to miss that man something fierce. My deepest condolences to his family.

– KJARTAN –
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Sheryl Carbonell says
January 23, 2019 at 12:09 am

Your’re in my thoughts often. Thanks for the lovely memories – a rare connection between two souls sharing a love for many things including Led Zeppelin. Rest In Peace.