James A. Hart

James "Jim" Andrew Hart entered Heaven October 15, 2025. Though a long-time resident of Salisbury, Maryland, Jim had recently been living in Wheaton, Illinois and in his last days and hours he was surrounded by all three of his children.
Jim was born September 18, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to Leota Fae (Overly) and Norman Edward Hart. Jim had two older brothers, Bill and Joe who passed away in 2013, and 2022 respectively. All three boys became Professional Engineers. Jim's early jobs were formidable and included picking fruit, running a paper route, and working as a gas station attendant. He has always enjoyed and appreciated cars.
Jim met Lois Allison when he was 18 and she was 15. They were married October 17, 1952 when Jim was 21 and Lois was 18. They had 3 children: Cindy, Brian, and Stephen.
When Lois passed in 2017 they were in their 65th year of marriage. Jim never fully recovered emotionally from losing Lois.
Jim knew that he, like all of us, was a sinner needing to be saved. He was overwhelmed that God chose to save him and sent his only son Jesus to die for his sins.
Jim served as an elder at Providence Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, Maryland where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He also was actively involved in Men's Bible Study for many years and he taught Sunday School.
Jim graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer, PE. At one point in his college career his grades were poor and he was placed on academic probation. Sufficiently motivated, the next semester he earned straight A's and was sent a letter from the University President stating that he was the only student in the history of the university to go from academic probation to the honor roll with straight A's and would therefore be considered for a scholarship.
Jim's last career stop was as President of Carvel Hall, a cutlery manufacturing company located in Crisfield, Maryland. Jim enjoyed machines, manufacturing, and the satisfaction of producing a quality finished product but he seemed to find the most pleasure in the relationships with the people with whom he worked.
After retirement, Jim started a trophy engraving business (Hart Engraving) that he ran from a finished shed in his back yard for several years.
Dad is survived by:
his 3 children and their spouses: Cindy (Buzz) Christensen of Maryland, Brian (Lori) Hart of Illinois, and Stephen (Laura) Hart of South Carolina;
his 10 grandchildren and respective spouses: Ally (Scott) Wade, Brooke Christensen, Carter (Atlea) Christensen, Kyle (Amy) Hart, Cory (Sarah) Hart, Brie (Jon) Sesso, Lindy (Kyle) Majnaric, Turner (Megan) Hart, Karis Hart and Austin Hart;
his 19 great grandchildren: Maddyson Wade, Braxton and Koda Christensen, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Analee, Gideon, Bella, and Joy Hart, Jonah and Ezra Hart, Kinsley, Caden, Ryla, Adalie, and Zane Sesso, Judah Majnaric, and Griffin and Genna.
A memorial service is tentatively planned to be held in Salisbury, Maryland next summer.