James E. Hardig, Sr.

James Edward “Jim” Hardig - a kind and devoted son, Navy veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather has died peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 94 in his hometown of South Bend, Indiana..

Jim was born in 1932 to the late Eugene and Rosemary Hardig and was the third of four siblings - the late Rosemary (the late Fred) Shafer, the late Eugene “Pal” (Mardeline “Babe”) Hardig, and Edward (Joan) Hardig.

He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School and Central Catholic High School in South Bend. Upon graduation, Jim briefly attended St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, before leaving to join the US Navy. He served from 1952-1956 during the Korean War.

During his active service years, Jim met and later married Mary (née Brotherson) on December 18th, 1954. Jim and Mary were lovingly united as one for nearly fifty-seven years until Mary’s untimely death on June 17th, 2011.

They were blessed with seven children: Mary K. Hardig, Patty Ann Pas, Susie (James) Keane, Linda (the late Chris) Antonucci, Diane (Jim) Cowan, Debbie (John) Stanton, and Jimmy (Pam) Hardig Jr. And were further blessed with fifteen grandchildren along with eleven great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, and Jim’s brother-in-law and his wife, the late Richard and Pat Brotherson.

Both Jim and Mary were dog lovers and made several Boxers and Boston Terriers part of their family throughout the years.

Jim had a strong mechanical and mathematical mind with great attention to detail – and he put those skills to good use as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker in the greater South Bend area until his retirement in 2003 to tend to his ailing wife Mary. 

Jim was a devout Catholic and regularly attended Christ the King Catholic Church. Since the early 1950s, Jim was a proud member of the Club 15 Athletic Association, a social and athletic non-profit which supports local charities and youth development.

Jim was an avid golfer until he was ninety years young and also an active bowler, euchre player, and a huge fan of Notre Dame football and basketball.

We loved our Dad (Grandpa and Great-Grandpa) - he was one of the nicest and most loving souls one could meet with the most humorous wit and a contagious hearty laugh - he treated his family and his many friends with unmatched respect, kindness, and generosity. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew and loved him. Rest in Peace (Forever Loved by All).

A memorial mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend at 10AM on Friday, April 24, 2026. No Visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions and masses may be offered to Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 Indiana State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637

You may get directions or leave condolences online for the family at: www.palmerfuneralhomes.com 

Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.