James S Hartung

Jim was born in Hollywood, California on September 27, 1932. He and his family moved to San Diego in the early 1930's. He was a hard worker and was a paperboy, dishwasher, baker and independent janitor and gardener before he was 18 years old. While he was in high school at San Diego High he also was an avid cyclist. He graduated from San Diego State College with a BS in in Accounting in 1954. He served two years in the United States Army as a radio interceptor in Korea. On his return he went to work as an insurance agent. This job led him to meet his future wife Barbara Wolter. They were engaged on Valentine's Day 1959 and married that June. They enjoyed each other's company for seven years and then had their first child James Jr. Two years later they had a daughter Kathleen.

Jim started working for Security Pacific National Bank in 1966 and continued with them for many years working in branches in Mission Valley, Point Loma, Escondido and finally downtown San Diego. He continued in banking after Security Pacific was purchased by Bank of America going to work for Scripps Bank in La Jolla. During his banking career he was a member of the Optimists for a few years and also the Rotary Club. He retired from Scripps Bank in 2000. After two weeks of retirement (and since his wife was still working) he went to work for Cuyamaca Bank in Santee for almost 2 years until they both retired in September of 2001.

Once retired, Jim had more time to devote to his garden where he spent the majority of his free time. He enjoyed time with his wife and family traveling and living life together. A highlight was a round-the-world cruise with his beloved Barbara in 2009 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his son, James Hartung, Jr. of Lemon Grove, his daughter Kathleen Williams of San Diego, granddaughter Abigail Williams of Brooklyn, NY, sister-in-law Sharon Coleman of El Cajon, nephews Bill (Matt Johnson) George of La Mesa and Robert George of El Cajon and numerous family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 1, 2025 at Central Congregational Church of La Mesa, 8360 Lemon Ave. in La Mesa.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jim's memory may be made to San Diego State University to support the Jim and Barbara Hartung Endowed Scholarship. To make a donation in memory of Jim please visit www.sdsualumni.org/hartung or call 619-5948299 for more information.