James Thomas Hartnett Jr.

James Thomas Hartnett Jr., lovingly known to so many as Tom, was born on August 2, 1946, and peacefully passed away on August 24, 2026. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, service, curiosity, kindness, and an extraordinary ability to make the world around him a little more interesting.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Thomas Hartnett and Frederica Ann Scherberger Hartnett. He is survived by his beloved wife, and ultimate partner of almost 30 years, Jenny Loré Hartnett; his son, James Thomas Hartnett III; his daughter, Rebecca Hartnett Shand and her husband Darryl; and his cherished grandchildren, Alison Taylor Shand and Gavin Michael Shand.

He is also survived by his brother, Frederick Hartnett and his wife Beth; Michael Hartnett; Mary Poffenbarger and her husband Greg; and Nancy Grogan and her husband Tom, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Tom grew up in Falls Church, Virginia, where he attended J.E.B. Stuart High School and graduated in 1964. He briefly attended Old Dominion University before beginning a distinguished 27-year career with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department. Throughout the decades of service, Tom served in numerous roles, ultimately retiring with the rank of Battalion Chief. His career reflected the qualities that defined him throughout his life: dedication, courage, competence, and an unwavering willingness to help others.

But Tom was so much more than his career. He possessed a wonderfully curious mind and an almost limitless thirst for knowledge. Those who knew him often affectionately referred to him as a “walking encyclopedia.” There seemed to be very little he didn’t know—or couldn’t figure out. And if he didn’t know how to do something, that was rarely enough to stop him. He would simply learn.

Tom loved to tinker, experiment, and dabble in whatever captured his curiosity. Over the years, his interests took him in countless directions. At one point, he worked at a bakery. He taught himself welding and even set up his own welding shop. He loved spending time on the water. He explored computers and an astonishing array of applications, always eager to discover what they could do. He especially enjoyed working with photographs, often creating, changing, or enhancing pictures simply for the fun of it—and bringing smiles to family members along the way.

He was an avid reader, forever learning and gathering another piece of knowledge to add to his already remarkable storehouse of information. His interests could lead him almost anywhere, and there was always another book, another project, another idea, or another question waiting to occupy his remarkable mind.

To Jenny, he was a beloved husband and lifelong companion. To his children, he was a father whose influence will remain in countless ways. To Alison and Gavin, he was a grandfather whose memory will become part of the stories and traditions they carry forward. To his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family, he was a treasured part of the family—a familiar voice, a source of knowledge, and someone whose presence made family gatherings richer.

The loss of Tom leaves a profound emptiness.

Tom’s life was not defined by one accomplishment or one title. It was defined by the many lives he touched, the people he loved, and the countless ways he made himself useful, available, and present.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories that will never be forgotten.

Tom will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. His absence will be felt in ways both large and small, but so too will the extraordinary imprint he left behind.

May his family find comfort in knowing that his life mattered, that his love was felt, and that the memories he created will continue to live on in those who carry him in their hearts.

May he forever rest in peace.