We checked in recently with Jim Hardy who currently serves as the president of the Piedmont Heights Civic Association. He and his wife, Shelley, live at the top of the cul-de-sac of Rockridge Place, a quiet enclave of semi-detached townhomes just off Rock Springs Road near Monroe Drive. The couple have been homeowners in Piedmont Heights since 2005. We asked Jim a few questions to get to know him better.

Shelley Riden & Jim Hardy of Rockridge Place in Piedmont Heights with sister pups Calliope and Penelope

What do you love most about Piedmont Heights?

It has a neighborly, small town feeling. We’ve got residential single family homes, apartments, grocery stores, restaurants and local businesses - all within walking distance.

What was the first concert you attended?

I don’t recall, but when I was at the University of Alabama, I booked The Tams for a fraternity social.

If you could choose anyone in the world to have as a dinner guest, who would lit be?

I’d invite the leaders of both political parties to see if they could discover, on a personal level, common ground. In my experience, once people learn a little bit about each other, cooperation becomes easier.

What are you most grateful for?

My family. Especially my soulmate, best friend, and wife Shelley who has beaten cancer four times. And my two daughters, my son, and four grandkids.

What are you reading right now?

The Kybalion, a spiritual text. But I also enjoy anything by John Grisham or David Baldacci.

Where do you hope to travel once we can again?

Either Thailand or Germany. I served in the Air Force and was stationed in both countries. But Shelley hasn’t been to either yet.

Thanks to PHCA Board Member Helen Kacur for volunteering to interview Jim and write this Resident Spotlight!