James Charles Hardin

James Charles Hardin went home to be with Jesus on ­­­­­­Monday, August 8, 2022 at age 85. He passed very peacefully at The Laurels of Summit Ridge in Asheville, NC. James was an incredible Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Husband, role model and true friend to his family and many others.

James was born to Gwynn and Carrie Hardin on January 19, 1937, in Andrews, NC. James was a graduate of the Gastonia High School Class of 1955. James was a successful businessman along with his brother Gerald Hardin, both of whom co-founded and built National Steelcrafters, Inc., which manufactured the Craft Stove brand of wood burning stoves that supplied an alternative heat source for tens of thousands of Americans nationwide. James was also an outstanding athlete in his youth, a veteran of the United States Air Force, a dirt track race car driver, an excellent golfer and avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and gardening.

James’ crowning jewel was his family which consisted of 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. James always put others before himself, loved nothing more than to provide for his family and to see his family succeed in life, as well as spending time caring for his late wife Freda, his late mother Carrie and his late brother Lewis. James, along with his late wife Freda Hardin, were both members of the First Assembly of God church in Gastonia since 1980.

James met his wife, Freda Hardin, in 1966, marrying in March of 1967. James and Freda had one child together, their son Todd. James’ daughter Debbie, along with Freda’s two daughters, Kim and Jodie, made the Hardin household complete. James' marriage to his wife Freda was also a lifetime venture in business together as Freda served as his bookkeeper for all four companies that James ran throughout his life.

James is survived by his brother Gerald Hardin; his daughter Debbie Hardin Brown and husband J. Michael Brown; his son Todd Hardin and wife Leah Hardin; his daughter Kim Hall Hensley; his daughter Jodie Hall LaCoursiere and husband Ryan LaCoursiere; his grandson Chad Randall; granddaughter Tiffany Hensley Coates and her husband Rodney Coates, their children Brook, Alexis and Jaxon; grandson Noah LaCoursiere and his wife Julie LaCoursiere and their children Elijah, Eden, Ezra, Everleigh, Easton and Ester; granddaughter Jessica LaCoursiere Rummage and her husband Michael Rummage and their children Asher and Ava; grandson Matthew Brown; granddaughter Lindsey Brown Lawrence and her husband Cole Lawrence; granddaughter Caroline Hardin and grandson James Hardin.

James is preceded in eternal life in the order of: his brother Ray Hardin, his first wife of 10 years Shirley Patterson Hardin, his father Gwynn Hardin, his mother Carrie Jones Hardin, his sister Alice Hardin Buchanan, his second wife of 53 years Freda Pope Hardin, and his brother Lewis Walker Hardin.

Friday, August 12, 2022 Receiving of Family & Friends from 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 2:00 pm at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home, with Dr. J. Michael Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Four Seasons Hospice at 215 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792

Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.