James Stephen Hardegree

James was born on March 25, 1949 in Weatherford, TX. He had one child Brandy A Goodsite born on Jan. 14th, 1973. His parents were Thomas E. and Anna J Hardergree of Ft. Worth, TX, brother, David R. Hardegree of Amarillo, TX.

He graduated from Paschal High School in 1967 and attended Abilene Christian College. James started out working at High Plains Baptist Hospital where he worked as an Ophthalmologist Assistant. He was very intrigued with the Anatomy of the Eyes. He later stepped away from the Medical field and worked for Santa Fe Railroad with what they called the "Chain Gang". He did that for many years until he was lead to work with the company Gerdau in Midlothian, TX. He crossed many people's paths along the way and never met a person who was a stranger. He was a very intelligent man and loved doing all kinds of hobbies. He loved working and restoring old cars in his free time. He and his daughter Brandy built a 350 motor for a 1967 Camaro and worked on a 1969 Chevelle SS back in the day.

James lived in many places growing up; Weatherford, Texas, New Jersey, Washington DC, Midland, Fort. Worth, Amarillo, Burleson and Lillian Texas; eventually settling in Alvarado Texas.

James was a believer in the Lord. His love and passion to spread the word of God was very important to him and if he could share stories about God with strangers, he did so. Long ago only a few would know James stood before his church peers and family and preached the word. God had other plans for him and because his faith was very strong, he went where he was lead.

He was a very giving man. He always had love for the under dog and would lend a helping hand where he could. Even in his later years, James was pulled to support numerous foundations.

Wounded Warriors, St. Judes, ASPCA, No Child Hungry, are just a few that were close to his heart. His greatest achievement in life was his daughter, Brandy. They had a bond like no other. Both very hard-headed at times, but one thing for sure, their bond was very strong!

James always made people smile. He was a true character, witty and intelligent. Family was very important to him. He would attend family gatherings and holidays when he could unless he had to work or had health issues. Phone calls were a must on a daily basis. There was always the need for a line of communication even when he wasn't feeling well. The last years of his life he had many people that would take time and stop by his home and check in on him. Meals On Wheels staff and the local Domino's staff definitely made sure his appetite and sweet tooth was satisfied. He made lots of special relationships with so many and was grateful for their times and conversations.

He was survived by a daughter Brandy and his son-in-law Bobby Goodsite; 2 grandchildren, Brandon Goodsite and Whitney Goodsite who he had a very close relationship with.

He had a very close relationship with The Shufelt's, and the Peikoff family's of Alvarado, Texas. Gracie, was his fur baby and companion for the last 3 years.

James was preceded in death by his father Thomas, mother Anna, and his younger brother David along with many others he was looking forward to reconnecting with in Heaven.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 25th, 2025 at Laurel Land in Fort Worth, Texas in the Chapel Of Chimes starting at 2:00 pm. A release of birthday balloons will follow at the end of his service.

A special thank you to the Neptune Society for their love and patience in helping with James's Cremation and assisting Brandy and family during this tough time. They have truly been a blessing through the entire process. Also, thank you Laurel Land for allowing the family to use your facility and venue.

May God Bless you Always.