James Hartman
James “Jim” M. Hartman passed away peacefully and with dignity at home on Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025, at 97 years old. He was born to Irving and Esther Hartman in Brooklyn, NY on May 28, 1928. He is survived by his three daughters Victoria (David Lustberg), Elizabeth (Dennis Romano), Sarah Knauss (Jeff), grandson, Jake Musiker (Tara Blackman), great-granddaughter, Clare Musiker. His second great grandchild is due in August of 2025. He is predeceased by his wife, Frances Hartman and his previous wife, Alys Hartman, his brother Burton Hartman, and many other family members and friends.
James grew up in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Midwood High School in 1946. He joined the United States Army for two years and then attended NYU where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and earned a BA in History in 1950. He then continued to Columbia Law School where he earned his JD in 1953.
James began practicing law in Manhattan and upon his relocation to Rochester in 1962, he joined Harris, Beach, and Wilcox. He became a partner in 1967. After retiring from Harris Beach, he became General Counsel for Jones Chemical where he remained employed to the day of his death.
James was a well-regarded mentor to many and was always involved in his community. He received numerous awards and citations from the New York State Bar (NYSB) of which he was a member. He went on to be chairman of the Trial Lawyers Section of the NYSB from 1973-74. In 1982, he received a citation “in sincere appreciation for the invaluable contribution of expertise” to the Association’s Continuing Legal Education Program. In 2002-04, he received another citation from the NYSB “as an expression of its appreciation for the contribution of time, effort, and ability in upholding the highest standards of the legal profession as a member of the house of delegates.” He was also a member of the Monroe County Bar Association where he was president from 1974-75. He received the recognition in 1987 as a Life Member of The Fellows of the ABA, and he was a representative on the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbiters. Additionally, he was an advocate for the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He received two prestigious awards from ABOTA: the Masters of Trial Award in 2007, and a citation from The National Trial College at Harvard Law School in 2012 “in grateful appreciation” for his “unselfish service as a member of the faculty.”
In March of 1975, James argued case 73-2024 Warth v. Seldin in front of the United States Supreme Court where the final vote was in his favor 7-2.
He was a member of the Doty Magill Post 771 of the American Legion. In 1997 he received the AB Lapine Leadership Award for 23 years of outstanding and loyal service.
He was involved in several other educational and business ventures and volunteer positions throughout his life. He was a board member at McQuaid Jesuit High School, St. Ann’s Home, and the Rochester Eye Institute. Some very memorable years are those in which he participated in the McQuaid Parents Show. He loved acting, speaking and entertaining. He was even on the air for several years with the radio talk show, “Lawyers, who needs ‘em?” He was a generous man who believed in serving and giving back to society. He had a strong work ethic and a fiery personality that led him to have a large group of close friends and colleagues. As a veteran, he was invited to take an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with several other soldiers from the “Greatest Generation.”
Jim loved Oak Hill Country Club and his “family” there for almost 50 years; although he would say his golf was “subpar,” he enjoyed playing frequently with his close friends and family over the years. He was also an avid skier and was a founding member of Hunt Hollow Ski Club in 1967. He and Fran traveled quite a bit and saw much of the world together in style! Jim also enjoyed ski trips to Aspen and time at “the lake” (Keuka) with family and dear friends every year. Jim enjoyed watching many sports including baseball, football, golf and tennis. His favorite teams were the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. He and his daughter Sarah had seats at the Rochester Red Wings for many years as they shared a love of baseball. He enjoyed playing bridge with his friends at Valley Manor where he resided for the last 5 years of his life.
The family would like to especially thank the many wonderful people and organizations that helped us through this difficult transition: Flower City Medical (Dr. Paul Burns), Valley Manor, Episcopal Home Care, Living Well Companion Care from the Jewish Home, and RRH Hospice Care. Many of these people became his close friends and caretakers at the end of his life.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at Oak Hill C.C. on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025, from 12:00-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rochester Education Foundation, 225 W. Broad St., Suite B, Rochester NY 14608. Please include Wilson Outdoor Club on the memo line or use this link: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/itkgAiRIVLcF4VoR0uaq6A