James Joseph Lardie

JAMES JOSEPH LARDIE, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024. Beloved husband to the late Diane Davis Lardie. Loving father of Maureen (Michael Glass), James Jr., Missy Maroun (Tony), Maria Hewitt (Joe), Mary Beth Allen, and Christopher (deceased). Cherished grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 7. 

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan and lived in Shaker Heights for 56 years. He and his wife Diane raised a large and diverse family with love and care. In his later years his grandchildren were the joy of his life and he always had stories ready to share about their accomplishments. After graduating from St Joe’s, Jim spent twenty years in sales and marketing. Then, distressed at what he saw as a broken child welfare system, he redefined himself as a child advocate to work for change. He served as Executive Director of several organizations including the Institute for Child Advocacy, the National Association of Child Advocates, and For the Children. His goal was always to influence policy-makers to raise the priority of children. He believed that strong, broad-based citizen organizations could make a difference in the lives of children. Jim and wife Diane were founding members of the Community of Christ the Servant, a Catholic community of service and worship. 

Jim requested that memorial donations be made to the Diane Davis Lardie Health Justice Fund. Donations can be sent to Ursuline College, Attn: Alumnae Office, 2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124 or online at www.ursuline.edu/diane-davis-lardie-fund. 

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 11 AM at The Community of Saint Bridget at Brecksville United Church of Christ, 23 Public Square, Brecksville, OH 44141.