James Randall Hardin

James Randall Hardin, 78, of Jefferson, Ohio, passed away on May 7, 2025, after a 23-year-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Wyandotte, Michigan, on January 15, 1947, Jim was the son of Sanford Jackson Hardin, Jr. and Joyce Fitzpatrick Hardin. In 1984, Jim married Karen Rhinehart Hardin. Jim earned a degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Cincinnati, followed by a degree in English Literature and Business from Wilmington College. His career in journalism spanned over three decades, where he rose through the ranks to serve as Information Officer and IT Director at Brown Publishing in Cincinnati, Ohio. Later, he joined the Gazette Newspaper Group in Jefferson, Ohio. After retiring from the newspaper industry, he continued serving his community as Ashtabula County Budget Director from 2006 until his retirement in 2010. Jim’s writing talent earned him numerous awards from the Ohio Newspaper Association, the Cleveland Press Club, and the Buckeye Press Association. He also served nine years as a trustee on the Ohio Newspaper Association Board of Directors. He had a unique voice and perspective, which he shared in his newspaper column, Abby James, Opinions – New and Old. An avid musician, Jim played a variety of instruments including guitar, bass, keyboard, banjo, fiddle, and harmonica. He had a particular love for bluegrass and played banjo with the Tater Ridge Gang. He spent his free time playing guitar, especially Chet Atkins songs, and enjoyed playing basketball and tennis in his younger years. Later in life, influenced by his beloved Aunt June, Jim began a deep personal study of the Bible and chose to dedicate his life to Jehovah God. He especially cherished the Bible’s promise at Revelation 21:3, 4 of everlasting life in paradise on earth, free from sickness and death. He attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jefferson, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Karen; their two sons, Michael Hardin and Elliot (Katie) Hardin; and his daughters, Amy (Mason) Wiest and Lori (Bill) Magulac. He is also survived by his brother, Jack (Sheryl) Hardin; his sisters, Diane (Ivan) Reznor, Sandra Kay Frazier, Nancy Harris, Susie (Floyd) Leedy, Sherry Frazier, and Jacquelyn Frensley; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Marilyn Paquin and Paulette Frazier; and his brother, Mike Frazier. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1032 OH-46, Jefferson, Ohio. Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements. www.LakeErieCrematory.com

James Randall Hardin

January 15, 1947 - May 7, 2025