Robert J. “Jim” Hartnett, 93, of Oak Park, formerly of Western Springs, died on Oct. 27, 2016. Born on March 19, 1923, his life was marked by service to others. He served in World War II as a pilot, commandeering a B-17 bomber on many dangerous missions. He used this experience to instill a strong sense of strength, courage, and integrity in his children. A craftsman and a handyman, including adding a second story to the family home, building toys for kids, and regularly fixing anything that needed it for his family and neighbors, he also built, from the ground up, a highly successful court reporting business in Chicago, Hartnett & Catellani, and was always on a quest to bring innovation to the field of court reporting.
A religious man who devoted many of his Sundays to teaching religious classes at his church, he also loved to dance with his wife, play golf and tennis with his friends, and sail on Lake Michigan with his family. He had a dry sense of humor which became more potent with age. His was a life well-lived with his wife of 69 years, and he will be missed enormously for so many reasons. All the love he gave lives on in the many lives he touched.
Jim Hartnett is survived by his children, Susan (Dennis Rosenbaum), Mary Ann, Patrick (Kimberly), David (Lee Ann) and Jimi (Jean) Hartnett; and his brothers, Thomas (Rosemary), Bernard, Harold (Diane), and Raymond (Joyce). He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lucille (nee Donovan); and his brother, Francis (the late Jan) Hartnett.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Forest Park. Family and friends will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 2 to celebrate a funeral Mass at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
The family appreciates memorials to the Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland 21297-0303.