Obituary for James Overton "Jimbo" Hardin
James Overton Hardin passed away at the age of 87 in Black Mountain, NC on August 17, 2022. “Jimbo” was born July 12,1935 on a rice farm near Weiner, Arkansas to good parents, Jimmy Hardin and Dorothy Cooper Hardin. Jimbo excelled in all sports at Harrisburg High with baseball being his favorite. The pitching arm injury that destroyed his budding professional baseball career became a disappointment he always carried. Even so, his love of all sports brought him joy throughout his long life.
Jimbo joined the Navy in 1955 and was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii serving as a radioman aboard the Bashaw, a Gato-class submarine. Although the Bashaw never saw combat, he recalled three times they almost sunk themselves. When asked why he volunteered for such dangerous duty, he replied that submarines had the best food. Decisions were easy for Jimbo.
Jimbo’s successful business career began when he met Colonel Sanders in 1966 and purchased a KFC restaurant. After meeting fellow KFC franchisee Dave Thomas, Jimbo became Wendy’s 28th franchisee. He was responsible for bringing the first Wendy’s restaurant to the state of Louisiana. For over 40 years Jimbo and partners successfully operated seven Wendy’s in Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston, Louisiana. Instead of choosing retirement in his 70’s, he ventured into another franchise, Newk’s Eateries. He was proud of the three award-winning Newk’s Eateries also located in Monroe, West Monroe, and Ruston.
Jimbo never let work get in the way of a good time. He was known for wearing shorts every day of the year. He visited Tahiti, Monaco, Australia, Germany, Italy, England, Switzerland, Austria, and Canada. He also traveled extensively in the United States and made frequent trips to Boston, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. He enjoyed living in Monroe, Louisiana over 50 years and lived his last five years with his wife in Asheville, NC. Jimbo completed his bucket list.
Although Jimbo was an award-winning successful businessman, he was more admired for the man he was. He never chased a dollar, yet he became financially successful. He never sought status or recognition, yet people were drawn to him and would seek him out. He never judged and always chose honesty above all else. Jimbo believed things would work out as they should, therefore he wasted no time with worry or stress. Having no children, his dogs lived like royalty.
Jimbo is survived by Dawn, his wife of 34 years. He treasured special friends Joe Holyfield, Fred Bonner, Bill Long, and Doug Maurer. Special thanks go to Evert Poitgeiter, his trusted caregiver, and the wonderful staff of Givens Highland Farms Retirement Home in Black Mountain, NC. Also, heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Sharafsaleh of Golden Oak Medicine in Asheville, NC for her compassion, knowledge, and guidance. In lieu of flowers, Jimbo would appreciate donations to your favorite local pet charity.
“A life well-lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure. A living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.” Poet unknown
Jimbo joined the Navy in 1955 and was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii serving as a radioman aboard the Bashaw, a Gato-class submarine. Although the Bashaw never saw combat, he recalled three times they almost sunk themselves. When asked why he volunteered for such dangerous duty, he replied that submarines had the best food. Decisions were easy for Jimbo.
Jimbo’s successful business career began when he met Colonel Sanders in 1966 and purchased a KFC restaurant. After meeting fellow KFC franchisee Dave Thomas, Jimbo became Wendy’s 28th franchisee. He was responsible for bringing the first Wendy’s restaurant to the state of Louisiana. For over 40 years Jimbo and partners successfully operated seven Wendy’s in Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston, Louisiana. Instead of choosing retirement in his 70’s, he ventured into another franchise, Newk’s Eateries. He was proud of the three award-winning Newk’s Eateries also located in Monroe, West Monroe, and Ruston.
Jimbo never let work get in the way of a good time. He was known for wearing shorts every day of the year. He visited Tahiti, Monaco, Australia, Germany, Italy, England, Switzerland, Austria, and Canada. He also traveled extensively in the United States and made frequent trips to Boston, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. He enjoyed living in Monroe, Louisiana over 50 years and lived his last five years with his wife in Asheville, NC. Jimbo completed his bucket list.
Although Jimbo was an award-winning successful businessman, he was more admired for the man he was. He never chased a dollar, yet he became financially successful. He never sought status or recognition, yet people were drawn to him and would seek him out. He never judged and always chose honesty above all else. Jimbo believed things would work out as they should, therefore he wasted no time with worry or stress. Having no children, his dogs lived like royalty.
Jimbo is survived by Dawn, his wife of 34 years. He treasured special friends Joe Holyfield, Fred Bonner, Bill Long, and Doug Maurer. Special thanks go to Evert Poitgeiter, his trusted caregiver, and the wonderful staff of Givens Highland Farms Retirement Home in Black Mountain, NC. Also, heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Sharafsaleh of Golden Oak Medicine in Asheville, NC for her compassion, knowledge, and guidance. In lieu of flowers, Jimbo would appreciate donations to your favorite local pet charity.
“A life well-lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure. A living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.” Poet unknown