Robert Lee “Jimmy” Hardy, Sr., passed away August 30, 2016 at his home after an extended illness. Robert was born on November 25, 1925 in Carbondale, WV where he spent his childhood. He was the son of James Robert Hardy and Daisy Mae (Shawver) Hardy.

Robert spent many hours as a child with his father at the company store where he acquired the nickname Jimmy that stuck with him throughout his life. He graduated from Montgomery High School in 1944 and then enlisted in the Navy, reasoning he would always have a bed to sleep in at night. After spending a year in Kansas City he was transferred to Okinawa in the spring of 1945 where he was stationed when the war ended. As sailors with enough points were going home, Jimmy was able to get a desk job due to the fact he had taken typing in high school.

Jimmy married his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Katherine Dalporto, on February 27, 1947 and together they raised eight children, building a house on the beautiful Kanawha River where many happy weekends were spent on the river over the years. After the war, Jimmy joined his father in the grocery business in Cedar Grove, WV, where they served the local communities and coal miners with not only food but also banking services, cashing payroll, social security and personal checks. Many close friends were made throughout the years, both business and personal.

Jimmy retired in 1985 and he and Virginia spent many happy years together enjoying their family at home and with annual visits to Myrtle Beach, as well as numerous trips to various parts of the country together. In his younger days Jimmy enjoyed camping and trout fishing with his many friends (and later his children) in the streams and rivers of the mountains in eastern West Virginia. Jimmy learned to snow ski in his early fifties so he could take his three youngest children skiing at Snowshoe. Jimmy loved to play cards with family and friends, enjoying many a relaxing evening together. Jimmy was a people person, treating friends as well as strangers with respect. He enjoyed talking to those he met, getting to know their background and the local history. Jimmy was kind and always had a ready smile, and he was very empathetic for those who were suffering, including animals of all types. Jimmy was a jack of all trades, able to fix almost anything, and he enjoyed gardening and keeping up with the house well into his eighties. He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in Montgomery, WV and Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer, WV and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3232.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, younger sister Mary Lou Bailey, sons, David James, in 1975, and John Glenn, in 1981, daughter, Ann Marie Hill, in 1996 and his beloved wife, Virginia, in 2006.

Those family members left behind to cherish his memory are his remaining children, Robert Lee Hardy, Jr., Steven Emilio Hardy (Patsy), Richard Dale Hardy (Elizabeth), Nancy Katherine Young (David) and Joseph Michael Hardy. Jimmy’s grandchildren are Andrea Berry (JD), Amanda Allen (Kevin), Maria Hardy, Kenny Hardy (Raya), Chelsey Young, John Young, Kandace Lavender (Chris), and Hannah Hardy. His great grandchildren are Caroline, Dallas, and Luke Berry; Colton Allen; Ryan Hardy; and Anna, Sophia and Jacob Hardy. Jimmy leaves behind his special companion, Marilyn VanMeter, who brought him great joy and friendship after Virginia’s passing and much comfort during his illness. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and an ex daughter-in- law, Denise Kirby.
Jimmy’s friendship, kindness and knowledge will be missed by all who knew him.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care and support provided by Jimmy’s neighbors, the families of Duane Tyree and Gordon Short. And the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jimmy’s caregivers over the past few months, Peggy, Tia and Christina. The family also wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care provided to Jimmy and the thoughtful guidance and support provided the family by HospiceCare nurses Sonja and Angie.

Mass of Christian will be 11:00 AM Saturday at St. Anthony's Shrine Catholic Church with Fr. Biju Devassy as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park, London. Friends may call from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:30 PM.Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com

lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Anthony's Shrine/Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish or in remembrance of Robert L. Hardy, 708 1St. Ave, Montgomery, WV 25136 or Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W. Charleston, WV 25312.