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.
Mike Breckenridge
12/12/2014
Jim just saw me as a patient Tuesday morning - he told me how much he loved living every day that he had so much to be thankful for. He wasn't only a great dr to me but someone I could look to for all the good in life. No doubt he did in fact love life. My deepest sympathy to the Hartzell family and all of his friends.
Shannon Lampe
12/12/2014
I don't have the words to convey the sadness I feel for your loss. I had so much respect and care for him. My thoughts are with you all.
Phyllis Otto
12/12/2014
Deb,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of Jim. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie and Matt Hempel
12/12/2014
Our deepest condolences to your family. What a loss, he was a great man! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sheryl Houk
12/12/2014
Amanda, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how devastating this can be.Stay close to God as he heals all wounds. My deepest sympathies.
The Rotary Club of Des Moines
12/12/2014
Jim was a member of The Rotary Club of Des Moines for 30 years. He will be greatly missed by many, many friends. Peace, Prayers & Blessings to the Hartzell family
Steve and Erna Morain
12/12/2014
Deb and all the Hartzell family, we are in Colorado and were stunned when Worth called John to tell him of Jims untimely death. Our prayers to all of you as you face the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and eye doctor. Jim was outstanding in his profession and so highly regarded in the community that we and hundreds of other people will miss him, as well.
Debra Engle
12/12/2014
What an enormous loss for his family, friends, and all the many patients he served so well and for so long. My deepest condolences.
Gloria Boylan
12/12/2014
Jim came to Waipahu High as a sophomore. He was bright,friendly and had a great sense of humor. It was a testament to his engaging personality when he, a new comer to the school, was elected vice president for the junior class.
He was a good friend and true scholar.
My condolences to Debbie and his family.
Gary Ellis
12/11/2014
On behalf of the Iowa Optometric Association , I express our deepest condolences to the Hartzell family. Jim was a true ambassador for optometry and a great friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
Fred Higaki
12/11/2014
Please accept our prayers and condolences for Jim's untimely passing. We shared a deep interest in science and math at Waipahu High, and were both selected for advanced seminars at the U of H. We will miss him much.
Ken and Marcia Hansen
12/11/2014
Debbie - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jean Smith
12/11/2014
Condolences to Jim's family. and friends. May Jim rest in peace with our Lord in Heaven.
Jean Smith, Waipahu High grad 1961
Randy Beaman
12/11/2014
I don't know if I can go through with this because I have lost the dearest friend I have ever had.
He has been my soul mate since high school. I honestly don't know how ZI will make it without him in my life. I can't describe how much he will be missed in my life.