James L. Hartnett

James Leo Hartnett, 89 of Hubbard, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife and family.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, Funeral Services for James will not be held as previously published.    A public visitation will be on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Private services are scheduled, along with private graveside prayers, for James' family members.  Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be offered to the St. Mary's Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com

Jim was born on October 16, 1932, in Hubbard, NE, to Daniel Leo and Pearl Helena (Harty) Hartnett. He graduated from Hubbard High School in May of 1950. He studied at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS before returning to the Hubbard area and marrying the love of his life, Jacqueline (Cahill) Hartnett on February 5, 1951.

Jim and Jackie made their home in Hubbard for 70+ years, establishing a family of nine children and partnering to build J. Hartnett Farms. Jim coached youth baseball and basketball and was a Third Degree Knight with the Father Trecy Council #3844 South Sioux City. Jim was a devoted naturalist and worked with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources on the Pigeon/Jones Creek Watershed Project, an effort that resulted in thousands of acres of irrigated cropland in the Missouri River bottomlands. The Project also enabled the development of the Kramper Reservoir and Danish Alps State Recreation Area. Jim was an active participant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and became an expert on the types of plant species that are best to protect environmentally sensitive land.

Jim was a lifelong member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Hubbard. He and Jackie enabled the construction of the community center for the parish that has been site of countless church, community, and family events. Their generous contributions to the Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools PRIDE Campaigns are commemorated with a plaque designating the English Department as “Jim & Jackie Hartnett ’50 Family”.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jackie, children Ron (Roxi) Hartnett, Dakota City; Mary Dostal, Boulder, Colorado; Joe (Pam) Hartnett, Omaha; Daniel (Eileen) Hartnett, Dakota Dunes; Katy (Dan) Hertzel, Lincoln; Beth (Russ) Fuchser, Gilbert, Arizona; Amy (Dan) Brower, Dakota Dunes; Jennifer (Michael) Pattee, Hubbard; Jean Hartnett, Omaha; 31 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.