James Aloysius Hartnett Sr.

With love and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of James Aloysius Hartnett II, age 97, of St. Simons Island, GA, on Friday, March 27, 2026. He joins his beloved wife, Normande, who passed on December 31, 2024, at the gates of heaven.

Born on May 26, 1928 in Naugatuck, Connecticut, James was one of four sons of James Aloysius Hartnett Sr. and Margaret Dunn Hartnett. The death of his cherished mother early in his childhood instilled in him a lifelong devotion to his family and his country. Just weeks after finishing high school, James joined the United States Army, and he proudly served his country overseas from 1946-1953. He first served with the First Corps in Kyoto, Japan, near the end of World War II. He later trained at Fort Benning, GA, completing airborne training and Ranger School in 1951. He then proudly served with the 24th Infantry Division, returning to Japan in 1952 before deploying to serve during the Korean War with 2nd Infantry until 1953.

Following his military service, he returned to Connecticut and married the love of his life, Normande Marquis (Norma) in 1953 and remained married for 71 years until her death last year. He worked for Naugatuck Chemical from 1955 to 1990 before moving to Georgia in 1990 and eventually retiring on St. Simons Island for the past three decades. He was also a devoted member of the Boy Scouts of America, actively involved from 1939 to 2007, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and mentorship. We also was a life member of VFW Post 4092 on St. Simons Island, GA.

He spent his life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who cherished time with his family above all else. He is survived by his loving daughters Margaret (Neil Goodman), Marie (Martin Artman), and cherished son James Aloysius III (Sheila Hartnett). James treasured every moment with his four grandchildren: Erin, Mary Margaret, James, and Matthew, and he was overjoyed by the arrival of his two great-grandchildren, Iona Findlay and Harper Schlosser. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. William Catholic Church, St. Simons Island, GA and Hospice of the Golden Isles.

James will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. He was a man of both courage and honor, yet his greatest devotion was always to his family, who meant more to him than anything else.