James "Jim" Hartley

James “Jim” Hartley, age 77, of St. Charles, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Heritage Manor in Elgin.

He was born February 9, 1943 in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of George and Esther (Hughes) Hartley.

A member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, Jim was a graduate of St. Charles High School, who earned a BA in History at Illinois Wesleyan University and an MA in History at Northern Illinois University, where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant in ancient, medieval, and modern European history.

Jim founded and managed his own home remodeling business, Homestead Specialties, and before that worked in a variety of roles related to construction and sales of solar energy systems when the technology’s use in buildings was very new.  During this period, he served as President of the Northern Illinois Solar Energy Association.  Having a diverse set of interests, Jim enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, and helping his friends build websites for their own businesses. 

His family and friends will miss his wry sense of humor, quick wit, and seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of many fields.

He is survived by his sons Jeff Hartley of Sunnyvale, California and Nate Hartley of Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom, five grandchildren Christian, Juliana, Charlie, Pippa, and Alex, his sister Susan Raeder, and her children Tom Raeder and Becky Hultine.

A memorial service and interment will be held at a future date to be determined given the current pandemic travel restrictions affecting his next of kin.

In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family would appreciate a memorial donation to the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital at https://foundation.nm.org/where-to-help/marianjoy-rehabilitation-hospital/.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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