James Andrew Hardy was born on August 15, 1926. His high school education was interrupted due to his call to duty in the Army Air Force while attending Southern Normal High School in Brewton, Alabama. He served his country from April 1945 to December 1946.

After his military service, James returned from the war to finish his education. Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled in Alabama State University where he majored in Social Studies and Physical Education. Hardy graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Immediately following college, James began his career as an educator at Lanier High School. He took on double responsibilities as both the girls and boys physical education instructor.

He coached junior and varsity basketball and football. Coach Hardy taught at Lanier High School from 1954 - 1969. During his tenure, he won the East Central Alabama Athletic Conference championships in 1960, 1962, 1963, and 1968. Coach Hardy was named Coach of the year in 1964.

After integration, Coach Hardy served as an assistant football coach at Lanett High School from 1969-1976. Coach Hardy was presented the NAACP Martin Luther King Man of the Year Award and was elected to the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in January 1977.

In 1999, the Lanett Athletic Booster Club awarded him the Presidents Award. Coach Hardy was revered as a teacher, mentor and tower of strength by many generations of Valley Students. On June 21, 2006, the gymnasium at the Lanier High School was named the "James A. Hardy Gymnasium".

Coach James A. Hardy of Lanett, AL expired Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at Lanier Health Services, Valley, Alabama.