JAMES RICHARD HARTZELL

James Richard “Jim” Hartzell, 92, of Piqua, died on June 19, 2026. He was born in Troy on February 20, 1934 to the late Robert N. and Miriam (née Herrman) Hartzell.

A 1952 graduate of Troy High School, Jim was a member of the football team and played in the first-ever game in Troy Memorial Stadium. During his high school years, he met another student, the lovely Beverly Jean Siler, who had introduced herself by offering to go to a party with him. Jim and Jeanie fell in love and he dedicated himself to making her happy. They were married for 55 years until her passing in 2008.

As a boy, Jim inherited his father’s love of airplanes and aviation and they could often be found flying together. After gaining brief international notoriety when he “borrowed” his dad’s plane to take some of his eighth grade friends for a ride, Jim decided to earn his pilot’s license as soon as he was allowed, passing the test at age 16. As a young man, he also enjoyed flying a helicopter and racing speed boats.

When not taking to the skies, Jim could be found working at his family’s business. He started his career with Hartzell Propeller at age 14 and served in a variety of roles throughout his tenure, including: Company Pilot for Hartzell Industries, CEO of Hartzell Industries, President of Hartzell Propeller, President of Decatur Industries, President of Piqua Aircraft Company (which operated Piqua airport), and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Hartzell businesses.

During his time at Hartzell Propeller, Jim developed a synchrophaser for twin engine aircraft and was named as inventor on two patents for this technology. Additionally, Jim contributed his expertise to various projects at Arkansas Face Veneer and Hartzell Hardwoods. At the latter, he created the Harbark Mulch, which converted the bark from trees processed at Hartzell Hardwoods into mulch for use in gardening. In addition to the family businesses, Jim also enjoyed farming with his son and grandson, and, at one time, he raised Registered Polled Hereford Cattle.

A beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim supported all of his descendants in pursuing their educational and career goals. He was a kind and generous man.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie; his siblings, Bobby, Bill, Tom, and Kathryn; and his parents. He is survived by his son, Jim (Jackie) Hartzell; daughter, Jennifer (Kip) McMillion; grandchildren, Brandon (Katie) Hartzell, Justin (Brianna) McMillion, Josh (Alysha) McMillion, Joe Hartzell, and Julianne Hartzell; and great-grandchildren, Brent Hartzell, and Hunter, Cheyenne, Weston, Gunher, and Archer McMillion. The family also wishes to acknowledge Jim’s sister-in-law, Jerri Kiesler, and his wonderful neighbors, Dwight and Sheree Hubbard.

Jim loved his family and his work and was also extremely active in community and aviation organizations. Among many others, he participated in: the Covington Eagles, Troy Elks, was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Miami County Fair Board, the Quiet Birdmen (an organization for aviators), Miami County Historical & Genealogical Society, Miami County Board of Education, Ohio Forestry Board, Lehman Foundation Board, General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association, St. Theresa Church Council, Border City Club, the Piqua Energy Commission, and the Golden Boys Golf Group.

Later in life, Jim enjoyed playing golf, sharing drinks and meals with friends (including his daily breakfast, lunch, and coffee groups), feeding squirrels and birds on his deck, and riding his scooter around Echo Lake. His life was full of the many things that brought him joy, just as he brought joy to so many.

A service to honor Jim’s life will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Pat Crone officiating. Burial will follow at Fletcher Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a Knights of Columbus prayer service being held at 7:00 p.m. At Jim’s request, attendees are encouraged to dress in casual attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Piqua Community Foundation, P.O. Box 226, Piqua, OH 45356. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com

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