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James, second son of Leonard T. Hardin (a World War I disabled veteran) and Grace W. Hardin (a teacher and writer who lived to be 103 years old), was born in Denver, Colorado, on 20 September 1938. On Christmas day 1937 Leonard was away from the hospital to spend the day with his wife and nine months later James made his appearance!!!
James' father, Leonard (1893-1960), served during World War I and was deployed overseas. While in service, Leonard was exposed to mustard gas which made him vulnerable to the measles. The soldiers had no wood to keep warm in the trench warfare and there was no medicines or cures for exposure to mustard gas. Armistice was declared in his 25th birthday, 11 November 1918. After his return to the states, Leonard caught tuberculosis while living in Louisville. Hardin moved his family to Colorado hoping that the drier air in the American west would improve his health, but it didn't. The family eventually returned to Kentucky.
James' mother, Grace (16 May 1900-2003), lived in three centuries. Grace died at age 103, after receiving her high school diploma at 102 years of age (she went straight from the eighth grade to Western Kentucky State Normal School). Grace was also an alumna of both Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville. She is also a member of Western's Century Club. Three Kentucky governors (Breathitt, Collins, and Patton) awarded a Kentucky Colonel certificate to Grace.
In 1964 James was the first Operations Manager in the Pillsbury Company at age 26. During the 1960s and 1970s he owned record album stores in the Louisville, Kentucky, area and in southern Indiana.
On 29 October 1971, the exact night that Duane Allman was killed, he (James) opened a rock music club that didn't serve alcohol. James wanted a safe establishment for his guests to appreciate music and dancing, but to avoid the problems associated with alcohol or drugs of the time. It took both courage and leadership to create such a safe environment during that period in American history. Many bands played the club including ZZ Top, and he met Col. Bruce Hampton, retired, who made a big influence on his life.
For several years, James worked on a railroad and saw the countryside in addition to meeting passengers from all walks of life. It is one of his cherished life experiences, but life on the road has many challenges and hardships too.
James and his good friend, William Cothron (2005) late in their lives. They made several films together until the passing of Cothron on Saturday, 27 March 2010. During those films, they welcomed and involved cast and crew members from the Kentuckiana region. Their official goal "was . . . bringing together the best of cast and crew to make the best possible films."
James' oldest son, T. Drew Hardin, graduated from Hanover College sitting next to Woody Harrelson. His second son was Kirk Hardin, who was a junior at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia, when Julia Roberts was a senior and Walton Goggins was a freshman at same school.
James worked on other films produced, directed, and written by others in addition to his own projects. He is a well-respected actor having a gravelly voice that sets a mood for his characters. Being tall, he creates an imposing tone and flavor to his acting. He is well-sought after by film production companies for his professionalism and dedication. James is a professional actor and producer for sure. Yet he always wanted to have a safe and fun experience for everyone on his cast and crew.
James has been an active member of the Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC) since about 2005.
