Dr. James Wylie Hartzell, II
December 10, 2014
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Service Details
James W. Hartzell, 70, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, also at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services.
James was born May 16, 1944 in Ottumwa, Iowa the son of James Wylie Hartzell and Grace Miller Hartzell. He was the owner and president of Vision Clinic, P.C. and a past President of the Iowa Optometric Association, the Iowa board of Optometry Examiners and Prevent Blindness Iowa. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, National Eye Research Foundation, Heart of America Contact Lens Society, and International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry.
James loved the game of handball and playing with his fellow Hinder Club members and competitors around the country. He held local, regional, national and international handball championship titles. He also enjoyed relaxing with his family and friends at West Okoboji.
James will be deeply missed by his wife of forty years, Deborah Hartzell; children, Amanda (Mike) Tyler, James (Katey) Hartzell, Jennifer (Matt) Calnan, and Worth Hartzell; his mother, Grace Hartzell; brothers, John and Bruce Hartzell; and his sister, Susan Hartzell. James was a devoted grandfather and loved his eight grandchildren, Meredith (18), Michael (14), Emma (14), Molly (9), Maxwell (7), Fredrick (4), Samuel (2), and Addison (7 months). He was preceded in death by his father, Naval Commander James W. Hartzell.
Dr. Hartzell was admired and respected by his patients, his colleagues and was adored by his family and friends. James was a devoted husband, a loving and generous father and grandfather, and a very good friend to all. The absence he leaves will be sorely felt by those he loved and those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
Memorial contributions received will be directed to the Hinder Club Foundation at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
John & Kay Mortimer
12/18/2014
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Hartzell's sudden passing. John was particularly struck by it because he had just left the office around 11:30 A M after an appointment with Dr. Hartzell on Wednesday the 10th. We have been his patients, along with some of our children and granddaughter since the 70s. He was an excellent doctor and an even better person. Our deepest sympathy goes to all the Hartzell Family.
Penny Westfall
12/18/2014
It was a shock to hear of Dr. Hartzell's sudden and unexpected passing. The family and office staff are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I feel like I knew the family as Dr. Hartzell always spoke so lovingly and proudly of you during our annual visits. It was like Jo said "our appointments were like catching up with a good friend."
I initially got to know Dr. Hartzell many years ago when he did work with the "HGN test" to help determine if a person was driving impaired. He gave much of his time to public safety and improving our lives. I am blessed to have known Dr. Hartzell over the years. He will be deeply missed.
Gerald Ihrke
12/15/2014
So sorry to learn of Jim's leaving us. His leadership in optometry was greatly appreciated. He and I roomed together at an optometric meeting and had a good conversation. God bless you Debbie and your family. Sincerely, Gerry Ihrke
Jo Richards
12/14/2014
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Hartzell's passing. He has been my eye doctor since the 70's and I always looked forward to my annual visit with him. Every year was like catching up with an old friend. He also treated our daughter who has a mental disability and he was always so kind and compassionate. We will miss him very much. Our sincerest sympathy and condolences to the family.
Kathleen & Jeff Stahl
12/14/2014
Dear Debbie and family-
It's Kathleen Stahl. I was so saddened to hear of Jim's death. The paper said it was "unexpected" so I am sure that you are still trying to deal with all this and my heart goes out to you and the family. We so enjoyed all those years at St. Paul's and I know Jim was able to turn in those chits for a place in heaven. Please know that Jeff and I are thinking of you and the family at your time of loss and we will remember you in our prayers over this holiday season. I just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.
Forndly,
Kathleen Stahl
Tom and Linda Kennedy
12/14/2014
My very sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Jim Hartzell. He was a fantastic doctor and great friend. We will both miss him very much.
Melissa Billings OD
12/13/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Jim was a very kind person and someone that I respected. I appreciate all that he did for our profession.
Mark and Joyce Waters
12/13/2014
Mark and I were so saddened to hear of Dr. Hartzell's passing. We were patients for many years. He was the ultimate doctor, and more important, a wonderful person. We will miss him. Our sympathies to his family and staff.
Beth Triebel, OD
12/13/2014
My deepest condolences to the family. Jim was a great leader and mentor. Iowa Optometry will miss him.
Janet Phipps Burkhead
12/13/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family. We were patients of Jim's for many many years. He was a remarkable practitioner and a wonderful, thoughtful person.
Carole Steingrabe
12/13/2014
Paul and I are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have been patients for many years and will miss him. Sympathy to the family and to his Staff.
John Craig
12/13/2014
The quality of life for my family was improved by the care and attention Dr. Hartzell gave to us. We will miss not only his professional knowledge, but also his personal caring association that he gave us every time we crossed paths. He will be sorely missed. John, Marietta, and the Craig family
Janice Coble
12/13/2014
My thoughts are with you. As so many have written, there was a special personal connection with Dr. Hartzell that always made me feel secure and in good hands. I will miss him, and I'll think of him and smile whenever I see a buckeye.
Tom Boeke,O.D.
12/13/2014
We were so sorry to read of Jims passing. A great loss to family and to his profession which he served admirably. My heart is with you,Debby and your family.
Tom Boeke
BILL KETCH
12/13/2014
IT IS A SHOCKER. JIM MADE A LARGE FOOT PRINT ON HIS PROFESSION AND THE HANDBALL COMMUNITY. EACH YEAR THE DES MOINES YMCA HOSTS A HANDBALL TOURNATMEN AND JIM WAS A BIG PART OF THAT EVENT. NOT ONLY DID HE PLAY IN IT, HE ALSO HAD A BIG PART IN IT'S OPERATION. I SUGGEST STARTING 2015 THE "TALL CORN TOURAMENT" BE RENAMED THE "JIM HARTZELL TALL CORN TOURNAMNET.