Jesse James Hardy, 34, of Lawrence Kansas, peacefully passed away on November 20th, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jesse was born in Lawrence, Kansas on May 27th, 1988, to Robert and Irene (Chavez) Hardy. He attended Free State High School, graduating in 2006. Jesse was a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a teammate, and a friend to many. Jesse loved his family and he always had a way to light up any room with his infectious smile and laugh. Although he didn’t have children of his own, Jesse was the best with kids. He was “Uncle Jesse” to many children in his life. His family will always remember his dance moves, his sense of humor, and his kind and gentle manner. Jesse had a knack for having the best Halloween costume every year.
At seven years old Jesse’s love of wrestling began with the Lawrence Wrestling Club. Jesse went on to become one of Free State High School’s finest wrestlers and continued his wrestling career at Labette Community College. Jesse loved participating in sports including wrestling, baseball and football. Not only was he a stellar athlete, he also enjoyed watching sports and idolizing his favorite players. Jesse was a huge fan of the Chiefs, Yankees, Lebron James and the Jayhawks.
Jesse will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors include his parents, Robert (Odessa) Hardy, Lawrence KS and Irene Hardy, Kansas City MO; Maternal Grandparents, John and Loretta Chavez, Lawrence KS; Two older brothers Joseph (Melanie) Hardy Lawrence KS, and David (Devin) Hardy Lawrence KS; Many additional relatives including aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews. Jesse was preceded in death by his Grandparents Justin and Lucy Hardy, Aunt Alfreda John (Hardy), Uncle Paul Chavez, Cousin Alicia Chavez, and Nephew Roman Hardy.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Tuesday at Victory Bible Church, with Pastor Margaret Johnson of Lawrence Indian United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Lawrence. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
The family asks for any donations to go to the Free State High school Wrestling Team. Checks can be sent to Firebird Wrestling Club (c/o Clint Bradley) 3801 Clinton Parkway, #D3, Lawrence, KS 66047, or via Venmo to @ firebird-wrestling Please mention “The Jesse Hardy Foundation” in the memo.
I am so sorry for your loss.I will be praying for your family.
I’ll miss you my friend.
Robert, so sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Our hearts break for all of you. We can’t begin to understand all the pain and heartbreak in losing a son. We are praying for strength and peace for all of you.
Our thoughts are with the Hardy family. Jesse was at our house often while growing up and he was the most kind and respectful young man. We enjoyed him so very much. RIP dear Jesse, the world will miss you
On behalf of all the First Responder Chaplains, our hearts go out to the entire Hardy family after the loss of Jesse. Praying for you all…
All I remember as a kid was How ornery Jesse and Chris were together. Jesse was one of the funniest people.Sending healing and loving energy to all family members and friends. Rest in love and light Jesse.
Our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the Hardy family. We met Jesse as a young wrestler and he was just so fun and talented. Let the happy memories surround you in this sad time.
Our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the Hardy family. We met Jesse as a young wrestler and he was just so fun and talented. Let the happy memories surround you in this sad time.
Sending condolences and prayers for comfort to the family.
I’m so sorry for your great loss. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Hardy family. We are so sorry for your loss ?
Thinking of the Hardy Family in this sudden and painful loss. With heartfelt sympathy.
RIP JESSE “Gump” Hardy – you’ll be missed by many.
Very sorry for your families loss and hope you find peace in sharing wonderful memories of such a beautiful human Jesse was. Praying for you all.
My deepest sympathy to the Hardy family.
Prayers of peace and comfort at this difficult time ??
Very saddened by your loss. The Hardy family will be our prayer’s during this difficult time.
My sons were on the Freestate wrestling team with Jesse. He was the nicest and most respectful young man you could ever meet. What a smile!!! So sorry for your loss Robert and family
Sorry for your loss. Jesse’s smile could light up any room and the kindness and respect he treated everyone with, even back in high school was admirable.
Prayers and hugs to the Hardy family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Jesse.
So sorry only 34 my nephew next me gladchere and sister loved ones pray the families invo
We were so sad to hear of Jesse’s passing. Sending your family warm hugs and our deepest condolences.
Descansa en Paz Jesse! My condolences and prayers are with the friends and familia of Jesse may you rest in forever Peace Mijo!
My deepest condolences to the Hardy family .
My deepest condolences to the Hardy family.
Praying for the Hardy family during these difficult times.
– The Carey family
Jesse played baseball with my son. Wonderful young man and good friend to my son! Our condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace…Mike and Rose Hadl….
Our sincere condolences to the Hardy Chavez families for your loss. Carry Jesse in your hearts and honor him with your memories.
Robert, Our sincerest condolences to your family. Our prayers are being sent to you. So sorry for your loss.
Rod and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️