James Robertson Hartzell

1951 - 2018

James Robertson Hartzell

Wayzata, MN

James Robertson Hartzell, born April 15, 1927, passed away September 12, 2018. Born to Robert and Jesalyn Hartzell of Minneapolis, MN. He married his love, Catherine (Kitty) Wolff on August 11, 1951. 67 Years of happiness. Jim is survived by his wife Kitty, three children, Katie Blevins, Susan Vannelli (Greg), and Jim Hartzell Jr (Suzanne). Jim had 13 Grandchildren; 18 Great-Grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Jesalyn and brother Thomas Hartzell. Jim served in the United States Navy during World War II. Graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business Administration. In 1951, Jim and brother Tom formed their first of many business partnerships, The Highway Display (outdoor advertising) Company. Later Jim and Tom would diversify to Hartzell Manufacturing company in St. Paul and then developed the Hartzell Corporation. Jim and Kitty were residents of Naples, Florida and summered at Casco Point (Lake Minnetonka) in Minnesota. Jim loved boating, traveling the world with Kitty, playing golf and tennis and having special times with family and friends including his Chi Psi brothers. Jim was a Board member of St. Paul Goodwill, Commodore of Naples Fl. Yacht Club and member of the Young Presidents Organization. Jim was a long-time member of House of Hope Presbyterian Church, and member of First Presbyterian Church of Naples, FL. He loved supporting various worthy local charitable causes through the James Hartzell Foundation. A memorial service for Jim will be held at Naples First Presbyterian Church, 250 6th Street South, Naples Florida, on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 2PM with reception to follow.