James W. Hartman

Herkimer - James W. (Jim) Hartman, 65, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at the Claxton Manor at FoltsBrook in Herkimer.

 He was born on July 7, 1956, in Herkimer the son of the late Charles and Shirley (Eysaman) Hartman. Jim was a graduate of Herkimer High School, class of 1974.

 Jim was last employed at Bill Lake Homes in Sprakers, NY. At one time he worked at Timberpeg Corporation, the former MDS and the former Library Bureau.

 Mr. Hartman was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer.

 Jim was salt of the Earth. He never found much value in nice clothes or fancy possessions.  Rather Jim walked through life a bit unkempt and found joy in the simple pleasures. With his casual demeanor and patented breezy hair, he lived life in the moment. His light shined brightest in the presence of his beloved children and “very special” grandchildren.  Jim lived hard, untethered and undeterred. He had a creative mind and was a skilled craftsman. He was notably the most adventurous of his sibling brothers. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was known to be spiritually moved by nature and rock and roll music played at max volume. He felt a profound connection to animals and enjoyed bird watching. Jim also loved camping trips with family and friends. He was enamored at the beauty of the night sky and could star gaze for hours on end, many times capping the night off with a howl at the moon!

 Survivors include his two daughters, Kara Gage and husband Andrew of Herkimer, and Michelle Hartman and fiancé David Calicchia of Herkimer,; two sons, Matthew Hartman and wife Kristen of Little Falls, and Adam Hartman and wife Andria of Little Falls; the mother of his children, Donna Hartman; 11 grandchildren, Marcela, Mia, Madalynn, Quinn, Alivianna, Maverick, Aria, Blake, Chase, Drew, and Calista; four brothers, Tom Hartman and wife Pam, Jack Hartman and wife Venessa, Gary Hartman and wife Janice and Dan Hartman; a sister-in-law, Gina Hartman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, a special aunt, Catherine Flynn as well as a special cousin, Beth Singer. Jim remained close with his mother-in-law Carol VanValkenburg, brother-in-law Bob VanValkenburg and wife Catie, and  sister-in-law Tracy Massaro and s.o. Jim Duesler.

 He was pre-deceased by two brothers, Terrance Hartman in 1964 and Richard Hartman on February 5, 2018.

 The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff for the exceptional care and friendship extended to Jim during his time in Claxton Manor at the Folts Brook Center.

 Funeral services will take place on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Church , Herkimer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Leo Potvin and assisted by Deacon James Bower. Burial at Calvary Cemetery will take place at the convenience of his family. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 4 - 7 pm at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.  

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