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.
