James M. Hardesty

James M. “Jim” Hardesty, 74, of Washington, IL died at 1:17 pm Thursday, December 6, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Born on July 17, 1938 in Bloomington, IL to Harvey and Anna Katherine Hughes Hardesty, he married Carolyn Y. Foley on August 4, 1957 in McLean, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 4 children, Cindy (Jerry) Hamilton of Washington, Pam (Ken) Hare of Snellville, GA, Jim Jr. (Kelly) Hardesty of Washington, and Kevin (Missy) Hardesty of Princeville; 3 siblings, Janice (David) McAfee of Mason City, Barbara (Jim) Berberet of Canton, MI, and Larry (Stacey) Hardesty of Peoria; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie (Jordan) Britt, Natalie Hare, Katie Hamilton, Glen Hardesty, Tate Hardesty, Grant Hardesty and 1 adopted granddaughter, Emma Tully. He was preceded in death by 1 grandson, Christopher Hamilton. Jim served 10 years in the National Guard. Jim graduated from McLean High School in 1956 and since that time has worked in the insurance industry. He started at Auto Indemnity Insurance in Bloomington and later became a successful independent insurance agent until his retirement in 1998. He was the past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois who awarded him the Cartwright Award and also served as a board member of the National Independent Insurance Agents. He had a love for music and was known for his singing of the national anthem and Lord’s Prayer at various local events, weddings and funerals. He was the “Voice of the Washington Panther” athletics for many years. He was active in the Cornstock Theater where he played the role of Curly in Oklahoma and was also in Little Mary Sunshine. He was a member of Washington Presbyterian Church where he was a faithful member of the choir and served as an elder in the church. He was also a proud member of the Rice Pond Preserve in Chillicothe where he spent a lot of time with his hunting and fishing buddies. There will be a visitation for Jim on Sunday December 9, 2012 from 1-4 PM at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. A memorial service will be held on Monday December 10, 2012 at his church at 11 AM. Pastor Rebecca Weltmann will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Jim was an inspiration to many as he courageously battled a multitude of health issues over the past several years.

James M. Hardesty

July 17, 1938 - December 6, 2012