Dr. James Wylie Hartzell, II
December 10, 2014
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.
Ted & Mary Coppock
12/13/2014
Mary and I are deeply saddened by Jim's death. We have been clients and friends of Jim and Deborah for over 45 years and appreciate the friendly, professional manner Jim made us feel valued. Jim truly was a giant in his industry and profession and personal endeavors. We are praying for the family that as we all celebrate Jim's life that there may be peace and grace.
Tim Eakins
12/13/2014
My sincerest condolences to Jim's family and associates. My first consultation with Jim was more than 40 years ago, and there have been dozens since. He was a really good man, and shall be missed by very many people.
Ernestine Tindrell
12/13/2014
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Dr.Hartzell's family. I was a patient of his for 30 years. He had a quiet manner and gentle speech, but as a doctor he gave very conscientious service to his patients. I always appreciated his service. He had a well spent life and will be missed!
Kent Hillery,OD
12/13/2014
I have always looked up to Jim as my optometry instructor, early mentor in the Academy of Optometry, and life long example of how to live a professional life. His quiet smile before he spoke always drew my rapt attention. Deb and the kids can be reassured that Someone felt his work here had been completed.
I feel sad that it didn't take him a little longer. As a person, he will be long remembered and missed.
Donna Johns
12/13/2014
I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Hartzell, who was a very caring and attentive caregiver for my daughter. You could tell he was a true family man. I also found out that both our fathers fought in WWII in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It is a small world, and we are all truly connected. May he RIP. Condolences to his family and to the staff at Vision Clinic.
Allen J. Blume, O.D.
12/13/2014
Dear Deb & family: So sorry to hear of Jim's sudden passing - I have many fond memories of working with him through the years. He represented Optometry in the grandest ways. He will be missed by many. My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Jan Scott
12/13/2014
As a patient I appreciated Dr. Hartzell's professional skill but as a person appreciated more his accessibility, humor, self effacing way and grounded look at life. During a recent check up I asked how the eyes were aging and Dr. Hartzell thought very well---just like we were! He slips from life with an ease by which he lived it but our loss is great. Prayers of comfort and hope for you.
Carole Kuwahara
12/13/2014
Dear Deb: I was so saddened to hear of Jim's sudden passing. I will cherish the memories of you and Jim in Hawaii a few years ago at our mini reunion. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Jacke' Dollar
12/12/2014
Deb and family. I am so very sorry to hear about Jim's unexpected passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish every memory for they are yours forever.
Dr. James J.Roberts
12/12/2014
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. I will so miss him at our meeting.
marlene and tom thuirer
12/12/2014
Deb and family we are so sorry , shocked, and very saddened. About the loss of Jim. He was such a sweet man, we truly will miss him. Take care , we send our love to you and the kids. Marlene and Tom
Jim Smith
12/12/2014
I was shocked to hear of Jim's passing. I was one of Jim's handball partners from California. On the court, he was an intense competitor. Off the court, he was a complete gentleman. I was fortunate that our lives crossed and allowed me the opportunity to call Jim, a friend.
Therese Slack
12/12/2014
As a patient of Dr. Hartzell's for over 35 years I was saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He was a wonderful eye doctor and I appreciated all the care he provided over the years. My deepest sympathy to the family. He will be missed.
Mary Ann Juhl
12/12/2014
I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Hartzell's sudden death. I have been a patient of his for over 30 years and so enjoyed my talks with him. He was a great Dr. and very caring person. My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Kristen Brennan
12/12/2014
Jen, I'm so sorry for the sadness and loss in your family. I am thankful he was able to meet Addison and for the quality time you were able to spend during his recent visit with you. I feel so sad for you. I'm thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.