James E Hardy - The Human

A lot of conversation about this man is in form of discussion about his case and the legalities that lie within. But he is so much more than that. Here are some amazing things unique to Jim and his survival being incarcerated for over 36 years.

He is openly Jewish and spiritual.
He has meditated daily for years and years to cope with his environment and stay grounded.
He is not addicted to drugs or a drug user (including cigarettes and alcohol).
He has no tattoos.
He has two grown children and five grand-children, as well as extended family members who all love him very much and believe in him.
He barely talks about what he goes through, he prefers to listen to his family discuss their lives and offer love and support to them.
He has always maintained his innocence, unwavering.
He has an incredible team of legal consultants who truly believe in his innocence.
He is a wonderful artist who has painted and drawn many beautiful art pieces, some of which hang in his children's homes today.
He has acted as a mentor and legal counselor to many other inmates, on his own and as part of the educational self-study group Live Learn & Prosper (LLP).
He dreams of helping his grand-children with their homework.
He is diabetic, has hepatitis C and has almost lost his leg several times to infection and various mis-treatments from various prison doctors.
He has a perfect behavioral record - for 36 years.

Here are a few photos from family visits over the years. Some of the earlier photos are at funny angles because they were taken at Death Row - San Quentin, where the guard had to stick the camera through a hole in the cage where visits where held. Most photos from the last decade were taken at the California State Prison in Lancaster.