James W. Hardin, 71, of Custer, Wisconsin, passed away on November 15, 2014, at House of the Dove, Marshfield. 

Jim was born in Martin County, Kentucky, son of the late T. J. and Lucille Hardin.  He completed his Bachelor and Masters degrees at the University of Kentucky and taught at Memphis State University prior to obtaining his PhD. in Wildlife Biology at Southern Illinois University.  He taught at SIU and was assistant director of the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory.  In 1978, he began teaching in the College of Natural Resources at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, where he was dedicated to his students and continued advising until his illness in September, 2014.

He was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Paws Reading Program, in second grade at Bannach School.  He and his therapy dog, Bachelor, visited St. Michael’s Hospital and the Clinic, as well as area nursing homes on a weekly basis.

He married his beloved wife and life partner, Ellen, in 1976, who survives.  He is survived further by his sister, Mary Lou (A.J.) Haney, niece, Dr. Melissa (Dr. Robbie) Fletcher, nephew, Dr. John Haney, nephew, Lt. Commander Matthew (Katie) Fay, US Navy, and niece, Mallory (Eric) Bernstein, and special great nieces and nephews Abigail, Jacob and Eli Fletcher, Natalie and James Fay and Connor Bernstein.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 21, 2014, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point, at noon with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.   Jim’s cremains will be buried at his family cemetery in Inez, Kentucky, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “UWSP Foundation – James and Ellen Hardin Wildlife Field Scholar,” 2100 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI  54481, or online at www.uwsp.edu/givenow and designate “James & Ellen Hardin Wildlife Field Scholar.”   Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  On line condolences can be made at www.JJBFH.com