James William Hart

1941 - 2024

James William Hart, of Pocatello, passed away at his home on the family ranch surrounded by his loved ones on January 4, 2024. He lived every day of his 82 years by the code of the cowboy, and he went with his boots on.

He was the third child born to Harry and Florence Hartwigsen on October 21, 1941, in Pocatello, Idaho.

He was raised on the family ranch north of Pocatello where his love of the land, horses, cattle, buffalo and being a cowboy wrecked a good amount of havoc in eastern Idaho.

Along with his parents, sister and three brothers, they farmed, ranched, and followed the rodeo trail all over the country.

Jim spent his adult life working for Bannock County Road and Bridge. By the time he retired, he had built most of the roads and bridges in the eastern part of the state, and throughout the mountain west. Jim could operate anything that could move dirt, like a ballerina, with one black eye and his right hand tied behind his back.

He was a salty cowboy, for many years roping, riding and dogging, carrying on the rodeo legacy of the Hart name. He was always a supporter of up and coming cowboys, usually getting them a job in the trades.

He is survived by his sons, Travis Hart, Walter Hart, and his only daughter, Jamie Hart-Millen, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and his brothers, David "Woof" Hart and Robert Hart.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Laurel Taylor and Harry Hartwigsen. He has now reached the end of the asphalt. A celebration, viewing, gathering and general show of goodbye will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 11am to 3pm at Wilks Colonial Chapel in Pocatello.