In Memory

James Hartzler

James Lester Hartzler, 74, of Granville, OH died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

Jim was born in Lodi, OH in 1946 to the late Glenn and Audrey Hartzler.  He graduated from Bowling Green State University, earning his B.A. in Comprehensive Social Studies.  He later earned his M.S. degree at The Ohio State University in City and Regional Planning.  Jim was an author of zoning codes and consultant for master plans for communities throughout Ohio for over 30 years.  Jim helped many cities and townships realize their visions for future growth.  He served as an Adjunct Professor of Social and Economic Geography at the O.S.U. Newark campus for a decade, retiring from teaching in 2019.

Jim was an active member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).  He had many interests including bike riding, gardening, cooking, walking, and traveling abroad and around the country, particularly the Southwest.  As a consultant and educator, Jim was an excellent speaker, contributor, and a great listener.  He was an outspoken, eccentric, steadfast and loving man who was passionate about life and most of all, his family. 

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Meg Ginther; children Rebecca (Robert) of Los Angeles, CA, Randy (Audrey) Ginther of Vernon, CT, and Anne Hartzler of Bexley, OH; grandchildren, Jack and Aiden; nephew, Dan Hagans and niece, Jennifer Hoskins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Daisy Hagans; mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Annemarie Leeseberg; and his faithful cat and partner in crime, Tom.

A private graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of James Hartzler to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674 or online at https://heart.org/donate.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.







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