BENTONVILLE — Dr. John Michael Hardin,

age 41 , of Bentonville, Ark., passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in Bentonville. He was born November 28, 1980, in Pine Bluff, Ark., the son of Drs. John David and Sara Gomez Hardin. He was raised in Pine Bluff where he attended elementary school through high school. He was a music enthusiast playing guitar, was accomplished in martial arts and had a passion for computer science and technology.

John Michael graduated from Pine Bluff High School with the class of 1999 and continued his studies at Hendrix College where he earned a degree in Biology. He went on to medical school at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa, where he obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. He subsequently completed his medical residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Kansas University Medical Center. Working in medicine was a calling for John Michael, following in the footsteps of his father. Most recently, he worked as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and served as the medical director of Everest Rehabilitation Hospital in Rogers, Ark.

John Michael met Allison Tremor in junior high school through a mutual friend, and they became acquainted. They remained in contact through high school, but it wasn’t until college that their love story began. The two were married June 18, 2005, in Tulsa, Okla., and were blessed with two daughters, Jenna Marie and Jillian Bree, who he doted on unabashedly. His family was the center of his world. They enjoyed quality time together watching movies, going to their favorite restaurants, exploring their community, and attending family gatherings.

John Michael’s most recent hobbies included photography, woodworking, playing ping-pong, collecting watches, computers, and photo editing. He also connected on many levels with the superhero character Captain America, who overcame adversity and fought valiantly despite having no superpowers. He was known to adorn his Captain America suit and to visit pediatric patients with medical conditions including cancer to brighten their day. This represents who John Michael was to the core.

He loved people and people loved him. John Michael’s smile would light up every room he entered. He had a great sense of humor and loved making dad jokes. He was a sentimental man and always remembered the birthdays and anniversaries of all of his friends and family. John Michael adored his mother, treasured his long talks with his father, and was cherished by his two older sisters.

As a medical doctor, John Michael cared deeply about his patients. Although he never wanted recognition, he was often rated number one among his peers in patient satisfaction. Patients appreciated the quality time he spent with them, his compassion towards others, and his natural ability to establish a sincere genuine connection. He used his personal journey overcoming trials and tribulations to inspire others to achieve their own physical rehabilitation goals.

John Michael’s impact on others is far reaching, and his legacy is legendary. He lived fully in the present. He radiated kindness and gave of his heart freely and unapologetically. Love was his essence. John Michael chose these heartfelt, humble words for his social media profile: “Just a simple man, with a wonderful family and three princesses: two call me Daddy and one married me”.

John Michael is preceded in death by his father, Dr. John David Hardin.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Allison Hardin; daughters, Jenna and Jillian; mother, Dr. Sara Gomez Hardin; sister, Dr. Sara Maria McCoy and husband Mike McCoy; sister, Dr. Vanessa Branch and husband Dr. Drake Branch; nieces and nephews, Mathew and Nicholas McCoy and Ellie and Harrison Branch; beloved aunt, Dr. Martha Adams; cousin, Chris Dow; and a host of extended relatives, colleagues, and friends.

A visitation reception for family and friends will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the home of Drs. Vanessa and Drake Branch. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a. m. Friday, March 18, 2022, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville with interment to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. The family will gather with guests for a reception following the burial at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Services are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. To leave an online tribute please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com