In Memory

James Rardin '68

OBITUARY

James "Jim" C. Rardin Jr.

PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 29, 2019

Obituary of James "Jim" C. Rardin Jr.

James “Jim” C. Rardin, Jr. of Bradenton, FL passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2019 at the age of 68. He was the husband of Denise M. (Pinault) Rardin.

Born in Needham, Mass., he was the son of the late Ruth E. (Fulton) Rardin, and the late James C. Rardin, Sr.

A graduate of Needham High School, Class of 1968, he was an active member of their marching band. Upon graduating from Bryant & Stratton Jr. College, Boston, Mass. in 1970, Jim began his long career in the accounting field. He was employed by the former J. S. Waterman & Sons Funeral Service of Kenmore Square, Boston where he served as Comptroller/Administrative Operations Manager for 12 years. Upon moving to Orlando, FL in 1997, Jim was employed with Ardaman & Associates, Inc. for 17 years, retiring in 2016.

Always yearning to be closer to his beloved Anna Maria Island, following his retirement Jim and his family moved to Bradenton in 2017.

Continually striving to be of service to others, Jim served on the Board of Trustees of the Mansfield (Mass.) United Methodist Church. He was a volunteer at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando, served as Treasurer for the Somerset Village Homeowners Association also in Orlando for 18 years, and was currently serving on the Board of Trustees of Braden River United Methodist Church in Bradenton, FL where he was also a member. Jim loved people, and he never met a stranger.

Deeply devoted to his wife Denise, his mother in law Del, and his two beloved dogs, his most treasured pursuits were his love of music and American history, specifically the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Starting out playing the trumpet with his high school band, he later preferred listening to a wide variety of music from classical to country, and it was a rare day when there was no music to be heard in Jim’s vicinity. He also enjoyed gardening and birdwatching.

Jim got the taste for country life when he spent one high school summer break working on a Missouri farm. After the confines of life in Orlando, he was finally in his element in Bradenton working in the yard and mowing the lawn in his cowboy hat.

In addition to his loving wife Denise, Jim is survived by a sister, Cynthia G. Crawford (Mrs. Richard) of Saint Thomas, PA; 2 nephews, Andrew Crawford of Boca Raton, FL and Douglas Crawford of Hagerstown, MD; 2 great nephews; 2 great nieces, several cousins, and 2 beloved dogs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Braden River United Methodist Church General Fund, 5858 44th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a future date and time. Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with his final care.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bradenton-fl/james-jim-rardin-8143890



 
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03/14/19 01:56 PM #1    

Cheryl Stover '68 (Claney)

I was so sad to hear about Jimmy's passing.  We were church friends and enjoyed MYF, choir, and paper drives together.  Our Mom's were good friends as well.

Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Cheryl Stover Claney


03/14/19 03:21 PM #2    

Sandra Hartshorn '68 (Hicks)

 

RIP Jim.....Thank you Cheryl for calling me today and letting me know....wonderful family, and Jim was such a wonderfully nice guy!  Sad to hear the news.....finally found it on the in memory section of this website..

 


03/15/19 10:43 AM #3    

Ann W. Bunting '68 (Dougherty)

Small world. I didn't know Jim in high school, but we went to the same church, St. Lukes, in Orlando. Must have passed him in the hallways! 


03/15/19 02:57 PM #4    

Karin Mahar '69 (Adams)

Sorry to hear about Jim. We hung out with the same crowd in high school. I’m sure it was his jaw that we broke during one of our ‘rush and smuck’ football games. Really nice guy.


03/16/19 10:04 AM #5    

Leslie Fisher '68 (Terry)

So sorry to hear about Jim Rardin.  We went to Sunday School together and MYF as well. I didn't know him well, but I remember for a period in high school he used to walk me home and carry my books. A true gentleman always.


03/17/19 03:08 PM #6    

Jan Face (Glassman)

Like most of you who have posted, I was stunned to learn of Jim’s passing.  Karin - one of the memories that came immediately to mind was the broken jaw.  A bunch of us from the band visited him in the hospital.  I remmber there were scissors to cut the wires if he started to choke!  He was in integral part of the band group.  After graduating, Jim and I became very good friends, and he was an usher in my first wedding.  His parents were always so very nice.  I continued to stop to visit them even after I moved to Connecticut after I graduated from college.  Sadly, we had planned to try to see him and Denise this spring when I have meetings in Sarasota.  


03/18/19 06:21 PM #7    

Karen Thomas '68 (McDaniel)

Always so sad to hear of a classmate’s passing.  While I didnt know Jim well, we were all part of the bigger family of NHSClass of 68. +++.and knew of each other in one way or another.  He will be missed.

 


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