James Hartman

James L. Hartman, 78, went home to be with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Jim was born December 16, 1934 to Harold & Dena (DeVries) Hartman in Eldora, Iowa. In June 1956, he graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He married LaVonne Lois Zimmerman on June 23, 1956 at Baileyville Baptist Church. After two years of active duty in the Navy, He continued to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 28 years as the Blue & Gold Recruiting Officer of Northwest Illinois for the Naval Academy retiring as a Captain. Over a span of 40 years he was employed as an Engineer at Micro Switch Honeywell, Amerock Corporation and Rockford Products Corporation. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Freeport, serving on the Deacon Board for many years. He loved spending time with his wife and children and fellowshipping with the church family. This Iowa boy became an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Surviving are LaVonne, his beloved wife of 57 years, sons Steven of Steamboat Rock, IA, Daniel (Caroline) of Rochester, MN, Jeffrey (Sue) of Freeport and daughter Beth (Paul) Reichart of Colorado Springs, CO, his brother Dale (Sharon)Hartman of Steamboat Rock, IA, grandchildren Lauren and Ross Hartman, Janna and Karen Hartman, Jack, Schafer, Drew and Zim Reichart. The visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Reichart, Son-in-Law, officiating. There will be a visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, and the service will follow at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim's name. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Please sign the guestbook and share memories at www.burketubbs.com.