James Hardcastle

James (Jim) Wiley Hardcastle passed away on September 21, 2014 at the age of 78 in Safford. Arizona. Jim was born on August 21, 1936 in Clifton, Arizona, the youngest child of August Celeste Hardcastle and Ruth Killingsworth Hardcastle. He attended Clifton Public Schools and graduated from Clifton High School as a member of the 1954 senior class. Jim studied forestry at Northern Arizona University and Colorado A&M for three years. While at Northern Arizona, he met Billie Jolene Wolfe of Morenci and they exchanged their marriage vows in a double-ring ceremony on August 31, 1957. Jim and Billie were married 46 years before Billies passing in 2004. After marrying, Jim worked for the Mountain States Telephone Company where he was employed for 34 years before retiring in 1992. During his tenure with the phone company, Jim worked on construction projects at the Grand Canyon and Fort Huachuca, and as an installer and central office technician in Morenci. After retiring, Jim built his and Billies retirement home in Alpine and they later purchased a home in Safford after Billies retirement from Phelps Dodge. The couple alternated between the Alpine and Safford homes seasonally. Jim had many roles and interests during his life. He had an immense respect and interest in nature and the forest, teaching his children much about plant and animal life in the forest during family summer campouts and fishing trips. He worked as a ranch hand during his high school years and later helped at the Stacy ranch during hunting season. Jim competed in several Morenci bowling leagues and for the Elks Club; he was a hiker, hunter, and fly fisherman and in recent years enjoyed giving the elk and weather report from his porch in Alpine. Jim was a lifetime member of BPOE Lodge 1174 and served as an officer of the Lodge for several years. He also belonged to the Telecommunication Pioneers of America and the National Rifle Association. Jim is survived by his children Calvin (Susan) Hardcastle of Irvine, California; Kimberly (Ken) McLain of Eager; Kelly (Jim) Mooney of Tucson; and Clarke (Terry) Hardcastle of Clifton; grandchildren James, William, Joan-Marie, Autumn, Amber, Angela, Renee, Janel, and Desarae; and 14 great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Jolene Wolfe; his parents August and Ruth; his siblings Mary Jane, Alva Junior Charles, and an unnamed infant sister; and grandchildren Lucas and Vanessa. A Graveside Memorial service for James will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Safford Cemetery.