James O. Hartzler 82, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 8:42 A.M. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on March 20, 1944 in Peru, Indiana, the son of Orville Peter and June P. (Perry) Hartzler. From humble beginnings on the farm with sisters, Jim was a bit of a wild one in his younger days. From being in the third row at Woodstock, to building and racing cars, both in town and Bunker Hill, he loved a good time. Countless stories would always be told about him and his friends running around town and getting into trouble. It seemed as though he had been a part of and seen it all. He would hold on to that love of music and cars his entire life, always repeating them to family and friends. These stories are some of the best memories his family has to hold on to.
In 1971, Jim met Shari Foster through her sister. Shari was the love of Jim’s life, which was quickly apparent when they married six weeks after meeting. They were the “old fashioned” type of love that you don’t find anymore… not always flashy or loud, but always steadfast and loyal. Married fifty- four years on July 23, 1971, she proved to be the calm he needed to settle down from his wild days. They lovingly built their home with their own hands, providing a safe haven and calmness for their daughter and later, grandkids. Jim always made sure Shari was o.k., that she was warm enough, and that the doors were locked. That was their love. As a provider, Jim retired from Proctor & Gamble in Plymouth, Indiana after more than thirty- five years of service.
Shari had to take a backseat once their daughter, Jaymi came along. Being an only child meant she needed all of her dad’s attention. From learning how to care for and raise any animal imaginable, including tons of strays, to shooting guns and learning how to garden, they were always outside together, where she never left his side. As she grew older, long road trips and a love of music were added to the list. The epitome of their time together would later be spent around high school and college tracks and cross- country courses. He lovingly (and loudly) watched her run millions of miles, break records, and rack up endless wins. He never missed a meet, and quickly became a favorite amongst her teammates, especially college.
There was only one thing Jim was better than being a Dad, and that was being a Da. His love reached an entire new level once the grandkids, Lillith, Ashtan, and Liam came along. You could always find him taking them on tractor rides and trying to get semis to honk for them along the highway. Easter was always a challenge because he would never remember the final egg count once he hid them, often resulting in the kids finding more eggs the next season. He lovingly taught them the same things about nature as he had Jaymi, resulting in endless hours of exploring woods. He was the greatest teller of “tall tales”, which the grands always believed and held on to every word. Once the grands got older, he was kept busy cheering them on and never missing games- whether it was soccer, hockey, basketball, and baseball. His most cherished possessions were his handmade beaded bracelets from Lillith, and all of his hats from their college and high school sports teams.
Survivors include his wife, Shari Hartzler, Rochester, Indiana, daughter, Jaymi (Shawn Spence) Hartzler, Rochester, Indiana, grandchildren, Lillith, Ashtan, and Liam, sister, Martha Leavell, Hastings, Nebraska, several nieces and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Marilou Priscilla Hoehne and Lillian Sue Pownall.
No services are scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center. Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral home, Rochester, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
