James "Jim" Maurice Hardenbrook Jr.

James “Jim” Maurice Hardenbrook Jr. age 70 of Port St. Joe, Florida passed away at his residence on Thursday, January 26, 2023. He was born in Parsons, West Virginia on January 8, 1953 to the late James Maurice Hardenbrook Sr. and Mary Louise Upton Hardenbrook. Jim attended Ohio State University on an USAF ROTC scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

At the time of his graduation, the US military were downsizing after the conclusion of the War in Viet Nam. But, Jim wanted to fly. He found a way to transfer to the Navy and qualified for US Navy Pilot Training. Flying the T-34B, the T-2, and the TA-4J, Jim successfully qualified as an aircraft carrier pilot, and was selected for fighters-His first choice. He flew the vaunted F-4J fighter jet in the Fleet stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, VA and deployed overseas onboard USS Forrestal, helping win the Cold War against the Soviet Union.

After that he was selected for assignment to VA-45, command, commonly known as the East Coast Top Gun at Naval Air Station Key West, FL. In this assignment He flew A-4s equipped as “adversary” aircraft, teaching the crews of visiting fighter squadrons the advanced techniques of Air Combat Maneuvering, also known as dogfighting. Jim loved it. He often pushed his jet, the “Scooter,” too and perhaps beyond its operational limits, and had a lot of fun doing it.

In preparation for this crucial instructor responsibility, he was one of the elite few who were selected for training at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. Also known as Top Gun, at NAS Miramar, CA.

After proudly serving his country, James went to work for Continental Airlines as a commercial airline pilot and worked there for 27 years until his retirement.

In 2013, James and his wife Jennifer, moved from Hiram, Ohio to Port St. Joe, Florida and became members of the Church of Christ of the Beaches. James was a target shooter and reloading enthusiast where he enjoyed spending time at the Gulf County Rifle and Pistol Club. He was meticulous and joyful at everything he did and this showed in the precision he used reloading ammunition. James also enjoyed riding motorcycles and baking. He will be fondly remembered for his famous homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Carl N. Hardenbook; one brother-in-law, David Linder and father-in-law, James “Vito” Fortino.

James is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Jennifer Hardenbrook of Port St. Joe, Florida; a daughter, Nicole E. Snipes (Ronald) of Kentucky; a grandson, Christopher Maurice Rodriguez of Kentucky; a sister, Cynthia Nel Hardenbrook of Colorado; mother-in-law, Jean Fortino of California; a brother-in-law, Louie D. Fortino (Karen) sisters-in-laws, Karen Covington, Lizzy Glass (David), Toni Mintz (Ronnie), Sandy Gorman (John) all of California, and Martha Jean Hardenbrook of Pennsylvania. James is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Church of Christ in Port St Joe.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.