Jim Hardin Jr. is the son of James Edward “Jim” Hardin Sr. and Carolyn Odell Couch Hardin. He is one of the four children of his parents. However, he has a tragic family history. He lost a brother, David Odell Hardin, and two sisters, Margaret Elizabeth Hardin and Carol Lynn Hardin, in a tragic fire at his home in 1971.
His father was born to his paternal grandparents James Everett Hardin and Elizabeth Williams Hardin in Canton, North Carolina. James Sr. graduated from Duke University with a degree in engineering in 1956. His mother, Carolyn, was also a Duke student. After graduation, James Sr. began working with Jim’s maternal grandfather, C. Odell Couch, owner of the Couch Furniture Company and Couch Development Company.
In addition, his father was active in the Durham Merchants Association and the Durham Jaycees. He also had an interest in horse breeding and bred thoroughbreds for his sons to ride and enjoy in North County Durham. Later, his parents joined the North Carolina Thoroughbred Association.
Jim’s parents were married for 63 years until his father’s death on January 22, 2019 at the age of 85.
Meet Jim Hardin, Michael Peterson’s prosecutor
In July 2003, Jim Hardin delivered the opening statement in the trial of Michael Peterson for first degree murder. He began by addressing the jury present during the trial, telling them that they “will have some tough decisions to make.”
He added: “I intend to be very, very brief. I do not intend to describe the minutiae of each of the facts that we seek to prove in this case. But I want to spend enough time with you that we can talk about enough facts that I can raise issues with you, but no more than that.”
Also, Jim begins by showing the first photograph of Kathleen Peterson before her death. He adds, “you can feel from this photo that she is a very gentle and warm person.”
So Jim takes another photo and shows it to the jury and says, “Now, on December 9, 2001, at 2:48, when emergency personnel arrived, they saw a very, very different image. They see something that terrifies them. They see something that a person will say that just doesn’t make sense. When they walk into the house, they see Kathleen Peterson in a completely different light. She is seen lying at the bottom of the stairs, just as seen in this photo.”
He then selects another photo of Kathleen in the medical examiner’s office and talks about the seven cuts on her scalp.
Jim then talks about the missing punch that dramatically disappeared from Kathleen’s house that he received from his sister Candace after she married her ex-husband Fred Atwater.
Jim argues, “In a very real sense, this case is about pretense and appearance. It’s about things not being what they seem.” He talks about Kathleen being the main financial support for the family. He said the reason for Kathleen’s death was a financial problem Michael had because he was not making money as a writer in 2000 and 2001.
And after Kathleen’s death, he would receive $1.8 million upon the liquidation of his wife’s estate.
Jim discussed the two 9-1-1 calls Michael made on December 9, 2001.
He concludes the opening statement with: “Kathleen can’t come here and tell them what happened to her. Mrs. Black and I must talk about her for her. And we will do so in the presentation of this case. Ultimately, it will be her responsibility to determine what is true and make the appropriate judgment. We suggest that after hearing this case, she determine the truth, and at that time, Ms. Black and I request that she enter a guilty verdict on the first-degree murder charge against Michael Peterson.”
Where is Jim Hardin today?
According to information in the public domain, Jim Hardin and his wife currently live in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Jim Hardin’s career
Jim Hardin began his career in 1985 as an Assistant District Attorney in Durham County and was elected District Attorney in 1994. In this role, Jim worked with various agencies and individuals to bring innovative specialty courts to Durham, including the Court of Minors, drug treatment, Community Life Court and Domestic Violence Court.
Additionally, Jim created a criminal case management system for Durham, which was eventually adopted as a model statewide, and prosecuted the high-profile murder of Michael Peterson. Because of his work, Lawyers Weekly recognized Jim as one of the Top Ten Lawyers of 2003.
In 2005, Governor Mike Easley appointed Jim as a special judge of the superior court. In 2007, he resigned as a judge to fill the position of Durham County District Attorney vacated by Mike Nifong, who resigned after the Duke Lacrosse case.
Additionally, in 2009, Governor Beverly Purdue appointed Jim as a Resident Superior Court Judge to replace outgoing Justice Leon Stanback.
Regarding his education, Jim graduated from Northern High School with the class of 1975. He attended Duke University and received his BA in Political Science in 1979. He later received his JD from Mercer University School of Law. in 1983. While earning his LL.M. . in Judicial Studies from Duke University School of Law.
For more detailed information about his career, click on the link.
Jim Hardin’s Wife
Jim Hardin is married to his wife Lori Thomas Hardin. They got married in 1982. Thus, they have been married for almost forty years as of 2022. They now have three grown children: Carolyn A. Hardin (husband of David Robinson), Maren Hardin, and Jesse Hardin.
Lori came from Vienna, Virginia. She attended James Madison High School. She graduated in 1978. She Born in September 1960, she is currently 61 years old.
As for her children, Carolyn is currently 34 years old. She currently resides in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Marren followed in her father’s footsteps and works as an assistant district attorney in Hillsborough, NC. She is currently 32 years old and was born on September 14, 1989.
How old is Jim Hardin?
Born in February 1957, Jim Hardin turned 65 in 2022.
Related FAQ
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Is Jim Hardin on social media?
Yes, Jim Hardin has a Facebook account.
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Who plays Jim Hardin in HBO Max’s The Staircase?
Actor Cullen Moss plays the role of Jim Hardin on HBO Max Ladder.
Categories: Biography
Source: newstars.edu.vn