In Memory of James Hartley

James Hartley, age 65, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at his residence of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Pastor Paul Mahaffie will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

After struggling with cancer for many years, James Robert Hartley passed away at his home in Battle Creek, Iowa, on August 10, 2022, at the age of 65. James was born on May 3, 1957, in Ida Grove, Iowa. He was the second son of George and Ruth (Russell) Hartley. He grew up in Battle Creek and received his education at Battle Creek High School graduating with the class of 1975. 

By the time James graduated from high school he knew that he wanted to farm. He partnered with his parents to manage and operate the family farm and took over the operation from his father in 2005. 

James never married but had a strong network of friends and relatives. His favorite vacation was jumping in the car to drive to Illinois, Texas or California (or all three), visiting multiple friends and relatives along the way, and taking different routes so he could enjoy new scenery each trip. 

James was a man of faith. The first church he attended was the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek and the last one was the German City Church in Hornick, Iowa, so it is appropriate that his celebration of life service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek with Pastor Paul Mahaffie (German City Church) presiding.

Left cherish his memory is his brother Fred and sister-in-law Barbara Hartley of Houston, TX; extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ruth (Russell) Hartley.