James Robert Hartigan, Sr.

James Robert Hartigan, Sr., 93, previously of Columbus, OH, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Memphis, TN on Monday, 02/24/2025. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, Papa, and friend, Jim will be remembered for his quick wit and dedication to family and fairness in all things.

Jim was born July 3, 1931, in Chicago, IL, he loved to combine his birthday celebration with Independence Day festivities each year. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in Western Springs, IL in the class of 1949. During his youth, he ran around with the Franklin Avenue boys (there were 8 of them) who continued to have reunions together for over 50 years. In 1953, he graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. There he roomed with Keith Johnson and Dick Alberding. The three of them stayed connected and also regularly visited together for over 50 years. At “Good Ol Augie,” he also met his good friend and fraternity brother, Bob Hill.

In 1951, Jim met the love of his life, Jeanne Bengston. Jeanne loved to tell the story of how they met while he was actually on a date with someone else. Bob had asked Jim to double date where Bob's date was Jeanne's sister, Margo. When they arrived, Margo wasn't ready, and as they waited for Margo, Jim and Jeanne met for the first time. The rest is history. Bob and Jim went from fraternity brothers to brothers-in-law when Bob married Margo and then Jim and Jeanne married on December 17, 1954. Jim had joined the Army in January 1954, where he eventually served in Germany in the Military Police, of which he was most proud. Jim and Jeanne moved around during their early years together eventually landing in Columbus, Ohio where Jim began work in the insurance business. He worked for Great American and Transamerica before retiring from the State of Ohio Department of Insurance in 1996. He moved to Memphis in 2019 to be closer to family.

Jim took great pride in his and Jeanne’s two children, Jim Jr. and Julie Ann. He was also most proud of his beloved Buckeyes! Jim enjoyed cars, “fixing” just about anything and all types of comedy. He loved pizza and steak, and an occasional Long Island Iced Tea. Jim and Jeanne were active members of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church since 1973, first attending services when the early church was meeting at Walden Elementary School, which they could see from their bedroom window.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jim gained a following with his “Weekend Weather Round-Up!” a weekly video shared via social media by his Assisted Living Community. Every Friday he was seen, by several hundred Facebook and Twitter users, giving the weather forecast for the upcoming weekend with a short reference relating to the time of year (Easter, Father’s Day, Christmas, etc.). Jim ended each video with his regular catch phrase reminding his followers; “…and remember, in all things, share some kindness.”

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Martin J. and Lilly Agnes Hartigan (nee Johnsen); his bride of 63 years, Jeanne Hartigan (nee Bengston); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Margo and Bob Hill; and sister, Jean Ellyn Law. He is survived by his son James (Leslie) Hartigan, Jr.; daughter, Julie Ann Hartigan; grandchildren, Stephanie (Alex) Thompson, James Hartigan, III (Kelsey Alter), Anna (Marcos) Scherzinger-Rul, and Isaiah Scherzinger. Surviving nieces and nephews include Kathleen Hill, Barbara (David) DeYoung, Roberta (Brian) Hubbard, Sandra Hill, Lin Chadwick, Laurie Ross, Kimberly Law, Phyllis Law-Wilson, and John Law.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 11:00 pm to 12:00 pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home 6699 N High St, Worthington, OH 43085 with service immediately thereafter. Graveside services at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens at 5600 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43213 immediately follows at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Diabetes Association. The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Ciel Collierville for their loving support and care given over the past 5 years.