James W. “Jim” Hardwick

James W. “Jim” Hardwick, 77, of Rapid River, passed away Wednesday June 6, 2018 at the St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI from complications of a lengthy illness.

Jim was born March 21, 1941 in St. Jacques, MI the son of Clifford and Catherine (Hendricks) Hardwick. He was raised in St. Jacques where he was a 1959 graduate of Nahma High School. Following graduation, Jim drove milk truck for 3 years before serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 where he was stationed at Fort Hood.

Jim was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Stemack on January 18, 1964 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River. They made their home in Rapid River where they raised their two sons. Jim worked 21 years at Harnischfeger Corporation and later Lakeside Machine Products until its closure in 2002.

Jim was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church and the Rapid River American Legion Post #301. Jim loved spending time at home tinkering in his garage and working in the woods. Over the years, he took great pleasure in watching his sons and grandchildren participate in sporting events. In later years he liked to play cards and the slot machines at the casino.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Dorothy, survivors include;

Sons: Robert (Julie) Hardwick of Rapid River and Russ (Julie) Hardwick of Green Bay, WI

Brother: William (Connie) Hardwick of St. Jacques

Sister: Dorothy Wolf of Rapid River

Grandchildren: Hayden, Logan and Sarah Hardwick

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

His parents and a brother, Richard, preceded Jim in death.

Jim’s family will receive friends on Saturday June 9, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:15 am at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 will follow at 11:15 am. Funeral services celebrating the life of James W. Hardwick will follow at 11:30 am with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating. Burial will follow in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family.