This past Sunday (March 31), legendary pro skateboarder James Hardy, best known for his gnarly video parts such as Day One and Ride The Sky, passed away at the age of 35.
Hardy's sudden death has been a great loss for the skateboarding community, and skaters from all around the world have shared their grief and fond memories of him on social media.
Many professional skateboarders and skateboarding magazines have also paid tribute to the late legend, expressing their condolences and admiration for his talent and contributions.
Chris Cole posted, "James was a hell of a skater. But even better a man, and friend. I love James very much and talked to him often. He was the strongest man I’ve ever met, broke 50 boards a month, and has the best nollie Tre flip ever done in history. A lot of people, myself included are going to miss him so much. ♥️"
Mikey Taylor posted, "It feels like we spoke yesterday, but I just looked back at our messages and it had been years. You were the best on and off the board. I will miss you my friend! @bamahardy."
"I had the funnest conversation with you just the other month. Loved our check ins over the years. Forever will be proud of you and thank you for the great memories. RIP James Hardy. You will be very missed. Photo: @tommy_barker_."
Transworld Skateboarding posted, "One of the nicest people you’d ever meet—and a damn savage when he stepped on a skateboard. There will never be another southern gentleman like James Hardy. Rest easy friend. Sending love to all of James’ friends & family.
Photos courtesy of @dlxsf ❤️"
Tommy Sandoval posted, "When I think of James Hardy I think of all the great times we shared first and foremost. But we couldn’t have shared those times if we never made the connection we did. By that I mean when me and James first met it wasn’t exactly an easy going relationship. I think I was a cocky lil asshole and he was just kinda quiet and to himself at first, so I decided I would do the like big brother thing n give him a hard time. Don’t know why but I used to like to talk a lot of shit and when it came to James he just wasn’t having that haha! To say the least we had a rough road for awhile until I finally came to my senses and made amends. Had a real conversation with a real ass dude and after that we had one of the most unique friendships I’ve shared in my life. Blessed to have traveled the world and to have witnessed James absolutely destroy spots, all while being the most genuine straight shooter you’d ever came across. Even after we parted ways from Fallen and James moved on in his life we always kept connection n would message n talk on a semi regular basis. Checking in just to say hi would lead to hour long conversations just life trippin talkin about anything n everything! I’m so greatful to have shared all the special moments that will be my most cherished memories of James. Thank you James Hardy for the impact you made on so many people and for the light you shined on every person that got the chance to cross paths with you. Rest easy brother ❤️ #jameshardyforever"
Robert Brink posted, "Found a ‘lil @bamahardy from my 2007 Active Am bro cam archives …"
Closer Skateboarding posted, "Still can’t process the loss of this beautiful human @bamahardy 💔🌹Gonna miss you. All the love to James’ family and friends. 💖 #jameshardyforever #rolltide"#rolltide"
Fallen Footwear posted, "This one is hard, it hurts, it’s still unbelievable, and everyone here at Fallen Footwear, new and old, every rider, every employee, and everyone that’s ever met James is completely heartbroken. When we heard the news yesterday morning, all we could do was cry, mourn, and think about all of the amazing memories we made as a team and as great friends since he was 15 years old in Alabama. He will be remembered for not only his incredible talent and contribution to the skateboarding community, but for everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting James, he was instantly your best friend. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this very difficult time. We love you James, you’re already more than missed. Roll Tide! - Chad Foreman 💔"
Jamie Thomas posted, "thank you for all the good times @bamahardy ❤️🙏🏼 i will miss you dearly & pray i see you on the other side 🕊️"
Michael Burnett posted, "@bamahardy 🦅🖤🦅"
Mike Sinclair posted, "James Hardy always cared how others were doing. James always had something funny to say and an amazing story to tell me that made us both laugh. James loved just keeping up with everyone and making sure we were all good. Today I wish I could call you one more time to check in buddy. I love you @bamahardy 💔"
Real Skateboards posted, "James was a brother to all of us. We grew up in the van together. Both of us coming from similar backgrounds and finding a family in skateboarding meant more to us than we could have imagined. He brightened our lives without having to try. His effortless positivity and raw ability to push himself and us cannot be matched. Those that were lucky enough to know him are better for the simple fact of that. The huge person you saw in the videos or at the demos was the kindest sweetest person I’ve ever met, even if you thought he could crush you with one fail swoop. There is not and will not be another like James Hardy. We love you and will continue to love you. Long live our Yeti with the most painful high-fives!”
- Justin Brock"
