RIP IN PEACE: James Hardy 4/01/2024 Photos by Gabe Morford

James made us all feel special. He was the biggest, shatter-your-hand-with-a-high-five, mountain of a human who had an even larger heart filled with love for his friends—and he never hesitated to let them know. James would frequently text or call to make sure you were doing okay. I’m just checking in on you, buddy. The conversations often ended with, I love you, buddy. You know I’m your cheerleader. I know I’m not special or alone here—James sent those messages to so many of his friends, letting them know he cared and was thinking about them. Those check-ins mattered. They carried so much weight. They brightened any day. My heart is broken, as I know many others are; we lost our biggest cheerleader. Thank you, James, for making us all feel special. You will be in our hearts forever. —Jim Thiebaud


We had the honor of publishing James' first part back home after his years on the road. The streets in BAMA are still shaking from this one

Power and precision from his unforgettable part in REAL's Since Day One, ollie into the landing strip



James always cherished his home and his friends above all else. He never cared about the big paycheck or sponsorship as long as he stayed true to his roots. He wanted “Alabama” and “Faith” on his graphics always—even if it hurt the sales of his board. He loved the simple things: friends, family, his dog and the home that made him the amazing talent he became. Even later, after he long left professional skateboarding, you could catch him at his home skatepark, Lydia Gold, in Huntsville, Alabama, at 7AM along with his dog, ripping harder than anybody. I love this man and the man he became. He is Alabama’s finest! —Peter Karvonen (Owner of Faith Skate Supply)


From AL to LA, James made his mark. Barley grind

I logged over 1,000,000 miles with James Hardy. I never heard him complain once. I could look over my shoulder and see him smiling no matter what was happening. Wherever we went, he made sure it was the best place and time ever. And trust me, we went to some shitty places together. His power and style will go unmatched. Toss in his smile, and there really was nobody like James Hardy. He was truly one of a kind. Thank you for making my life better just by being such a great friend. I love you, James. —Mike Sinclair

"Dirty South takin' over Minneapolis!" 50-50 over his ATL boy for their Oklahomie



I used to call Hardy “Bambi” because he would skate ANY rail in sight, but I would notice his legs getting shaky closer to the bigger rails, but he’d still try it, make or slam. Maybe that’s how you live life. —Ernie Torres

Rest in Power

Like Jamie before him, he came out from Alabama and pushed the limits of the most dangerous game. Frontside noseblunt 17 from the front of our December, 2010 issue

• James Hardy
• Jim Thiebaud
• Peter Karvonen
• Mike Sinclair
• Ernie Torres
• Gabe Morford
• Real Skateboards