James Lewis Hartman

Jim was born in Oswego, Indiana, on June 6, 1929, to Fredrich and Maude Hartman. Jim was the youngest of 5 children. As a child, he developed a love for golf, caddying at the local course, and for basketball, playing for his high school team.

Sports were not the only things he learned to love as a boy. A young woman, Janis (Jan), caught his eye. Janis would accompany her mother to buy flowers from Maude’s garden. Jim and Jan dated for years before marrying on November 25, 1950.

The next year, Jim joined the US Army. Throughout the next 27 years, with Jan by his side, they moved through eight states, three countries, served in two wars, and saw the birth of his two sons, Jerry, and Jeffrey. Jim’s hard work and determination earned him the highest non-commissioned officer rank of Sergeant Major. He was also honored with multiple medals for distinguished service, including the Legion of Merit.

After leaving the army, Jim earned a master’s degree in education from Southwest Texas State University. For 13 years he taught fifth grade at Stahl and Fox Run elementary schools in Northeast ISD.

Jim focused on his passions after retiring. Every morning he could be found bright and early at the dining table with a scalding-hot cup of coffee and the day’s crossword puzzle. He spent hours with friends and family on the golf course. He and Jan traveled across the country. Sunday mornings were shared in fellowship at Bulverde United Methodist Church. And when he wasn’t in the garage fixing odds and ends from around the house, you could find him in his favorite chair reading––and rereading––books by his favorite author, Louis L’Amour.

Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Janis; his sons, Jerry (Joani) and Jeff (Robin); his grandchildren, Jill Long (Tom), Jay Hartman, and Reed Hartman (Kelsey); and great-grandchildren, Carl and Daniel Long.

The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 9, 2020, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020

11:30 A.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

A recording of his service from Monday, November 9, 2020, is available below: