James C Hartwig

James Christian Hartwig, 74, departed this world on Tuesday October 17, 2017 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim loved the Lord and was proud to be a member of the Punta Gorda Church of Christ on 2300 Taylor Rd.

Jim was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 23, 1942 to Earl and Roselyn Hartwig. He graduated from Libbey High School in Toledo in 1960, where he was recognized as a very accomplished athlete, winning the Most Valuable Player award for baseball as well as a scholarship to Wisconsin University. In 1961 Jim enlisted in the army and served part of his tour in Germany as a helicopter mechanic. He came to Port Charlotte in 1964 and attended flight school in St. Pete and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, graduating in 1967. He then worked at the Punta Gorda Airport for several years. He had a true passion for flying and was eventually able to have his own twin-engine plane, enjoying several fun excursions with his family and friends. He was a "true and hooked" fisherman, even winning the Key West Tournament in 1973 for the largest sailfish, which is still proudly displayed at the Mobil Gas Station on Placida Road.

Before retirement, Jim was a partner with his brother Daniel in the Hartwig's Mobil Gas Station on Harbor Blvd. and later a partner with his brother Richard in Hartwig's Stucco.

In 1973 Jim met his soul mate and love of his life, Sandra Irons and they had a beautiful life together, recently celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary on September 15. Jim's life was his family and he loved and cherished us all. He so looked forward to all the birthday and holiday celebrations and the many fishing trips with the family.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Tammy Patureau, son James L. Hartwig, brothers Robert Hartwig (Ruth), Richard Hartwig (Cheryl), Martin Hartwig (Jenny) sister Linda Welsheimer, sister-in-law Carol Hartwig, sister-in-law Dawn Hartwig, mother-in-law Velma Irons, brother-in-law Greg Irons (Linda), brother-in-law Alan Irons (Donna) as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Roselyn Hartwig, his father Earl Hartwig, his brother Daniel Hartwig, his brother Thomas Hartwig, and his father-in-law W.L. Irons.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 @ 11:00am at Kays-Ponger Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL.33950 A celebration of life will follow in the reception hall.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ivor Percent and staff at Florida Cancer Specialist as well as the staff and nurses at Tidewell Hospice. We appreciate all the love and respect you gave us.

My darling Jim, we will love you and miss you forever.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.kays-ponger.com