A graduate from Hinds Junior College with degrees in television repair and electricity and wiring, he worked as a craftsman and supervisor for AT&T for 34 years before his retirement. He proudly served his country with the United States Air Force as a veteran of the Korean War before being honorably discharged in 1955. He served the citizens of Senatobia as an Alderman for 8 years and was also a member of the Civitan Club.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his loving family including his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Taylor Hardwick, of Senatobia; two daughters, Deborah H Buntin (Reed) of Nashville, and Ouida H Bailey of Youngsville, LA.; his brother, George Willis Hardwick (Charlcye) of San Antonio, TX; his sister, Mary Ethel Windham of Southaven; five grandchildren Jonathan Bailey of Youngsville, LA, James Seth Buntin (Adrian) of Nashville, Ainee B. Muse (Robert) of Troy, TN, Christopher Buntin (Alex) of Springhill, TN, Alisha Tetreau (Brian) of Houston, TX; and 14 Great-Grandchildren.

James Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Vance Hardwick of McComb  and Mary Catherine Hardwick and his grandparents, George R. Koonce and Amanda Victoria Koonce, all of Grenada County; and one grandson, Robert Andrew Buntin of Russellville, KY.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 2  p.m. in the First Baptist Church in Senatobia,  with Rev. Chris Williams officiating and Reed Buntin, Seth Buntin, Brian Tetreau, Robert Muse, Christopher Buntin, and Oliver Buntin serving as pallbearers.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 317 Ward St., Senatobia, 38668.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ray-Nowell Funeral Home.