John Pou Hartsfield Jr.

John P. Hartsfield, Jr of Montgomery, aged 91, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024 at John Knox Manor. Mr. Hartsfield was born on November 4, 1932 in Montgomery and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1950. After acquiring a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Auburn University and spending several years in the New York City advertising industry, he left the Big Apple (with new family in tow) in 1965 and returned to his beloved hometown where he opened his first advertising firm. More than 40 years later, he officially closed the doors of Hartsfield Advertising while still retaining a few select clients ‘who couldn’t give him up,’ working in this limited capacity from home well into his 80s.

Mr. Hartsfield was an avid tennis player, competing actively until health issues forced him to retire his racquet at nearly 70 years old. His immense creativity was reflected not only in his advertising work, where his sharp wit and knack for words were on fine display, but also in other pursuits where he excelled – including writing, painting, and music. An insatiable thirst for knowledge resulted in such endeavors as auditing philosophy courses at Auburn University while in his 70s, collecting numerous works of classic literature and poetry, and acquiring an impressive array of classical music CDs.

He is predeceased by his parents, John P. Hartsfield Sr and Frances (Gordon) Thomas, stepson Edwin Walls, and several cherished dogs. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Nancy Mims Hartsfield; his son, John P. Hartsfield III of Columbus, GA; his daughter, Kerry Hartsfield Impson (Mark) of Olympia, WA; his stepson William Walls (Kristen) of Houston; grandchildren Riley & Rowan Impson and John Hartsfield IV; and step-grandchildren Brandon & Austin Walls.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montgomery Humane Society.