James “Jim” Henry Hardgrove, age 62, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of June 27th, 2015. Jim was born on October 1st, 1952 and was the second child of Mr. Albert and Margaret Hardgrove. Jim was a native of Plainfield, New Jersey where he studied electronics and worked on the Tokamak fusion reactor at Princeton University. Jim eventually got a job in the petrochemical industry where he worked on new carbon fiber and plastics technologies. Jim was an active member of the Catholic church, and was a 3rd degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus where he volunteered and organized parish outreach committees, fish frys, bingo fundraising and family picnics. He loved football and baseball, coaching a variety of little league teams over the years, was an avid bowler, and enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. Jim also dearly loved his grand-puppy Vincent. Jim will be remembered for being kind, gentle, an incredibly loving father to his family, and for his whimsical and endearing sense of humor.

On May 6th, 1978 Jim married the love of his life, Joanne. They were married for 37 years. Jim is survived by his wife Joanne Hardgrove, of Houston, Texas, his son, Craig Hardgrove, of Los Angeles, California and his daughter-in-law, Cara Thompson, of Los Angeles, California. His three sisters, Janet Townley, of South Plainfield, New Jersey, Susan Ruggiero, of North Plainfield, New Jersey, and Karen Stoeckel, of South Plainfield, New Jersey also survive him. He is preceded in death by his father, Albert Hardgrove, mother, Margaret Hardgrove, sister, Joyce Hardgrove, mother-in-law, Mary Pela, and father-in-law, Joseph Pela.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2015, at St. Clare of Assisi, 3131 El Dorado Blvd., Houston, Texas 77059. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. The funeral will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. The family would like to thank the St. Clare of Assisi Knights of Columbus Council 9708 for their kindness and support.