I've just learned about Jim's passing. Such a tragic loss, especially for those that need honest representation in court and at a fair price. I have never met an attorney that truly cared about the people they represented until I met Jim. He understood the complexities of the legal system, where many are met with incompetence and deals that wouldn't benefit the client. However, Jim was steadfast with his client's best interests at heart. He always was at the forefront to ensure that they were fully represented legally, morally, and ethically.

Jim will truly be missed.

Condolences to his family.

Dotti Howe

We knew Jim Hartmann as our legal representative and had great admiration for his acuity. God rest his soul.

Sincerely, Joel and Connie Canfield

Jim was, indeed, a remarkable and memorable gentleman.

My sincere condolences to Nancy, Geoff and family.

Robert Peet

Jim epitomized American justice; maybe not perfect, but the best in the world. I will always envy his passion for the law. Jim was a man of great integrity, honesty and generosity. I am proud to have called Jim and Nancy friends and colleagues for more than 30 years. Delaware County was the better for their having chosen to be here. Jim will be sorely missed. May Nancy and Geoff find solace in knowing how much Jim meant to so many.

So sorry and sending my deepest condolences. Jim was an honest, loyal and honorable man.

Thinking of you all.

Penny King

Jim was a blast. I loved the guy. Always interesting, always interested. Funny. Super knowledgable. I'm so sorry he's gone, it was too soon. Nancy -- and Geoff, whom I have never met -- I am very very sorry to have lost a friend, and for you to have lost your good husband and father.

I add the honor of serving with Jim for many years on the NYS Attorney Grievance Committee. He was the consummate professional and he passionately defended the interests of clients, the general public and the rule of law. He was always exceedingly well prepared and he loved a good debate. I feel fortunate to have known and served with Jim. I know he will be deeply missed by his clients. My sincerest condolences to Nancy and the family.

Nancy , Geoffrey & family,

So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers to all of you. Jim will be greatly missed.

Deb Goodrich

Nancy and Geoffrey There are not enough words to tell you how sorry I am to hear about Jim’s passing. I remember so many conversations with him about my dad and their friendship. He was a brilliant man and always had a smile whenever I saw him. May he rest in peace. Sending love and sympathy to you both. Barb

My deepest condolences to Nancy, Geoffrey, and the entire family, Jim's many friends, clients, and legal colleagues.

For me, Jim was the yardstick by which I measured myself professionally, and often found myself wanting. A better colleague and friend could not be found. Whenever I called with a question or to discuss a matter, Jim was there. Like so many others, I instinctively trusted him and his counsel. In those rare times he didn't know an answer, he urged me to call him back after we both researched an issue. it was like being back in law school during those times, except with a far superior professor.

There are so many memories, and I'm certain many others will be stated here. But if I had to pick just one; I once asked Jim, since he had worn almost all the hats and engaged in all the roles an attorney could take on, why didn't he run to be a judge? After all, that's usually the crown to a lifetime of achievement at the Bar. He looked at me from behind his desk and simply said, "Why would I want to be the referee when I can still play the game?" Exactly so. And when I saw him just two weeks ago in court representing a client, he reminded me of that.

It's been said that "the truth will set you free." In Jim's case, his pursuit of justice and truth set him apart. It was an honor to share the same space with him in court from time to time. Win or lose, I was the better lawyer for it. I will miss him a lot, but I will still reach out from time to time for his counsel. Thank you Jim for giving me some of your time during your amazing life. Rest well, my friend and colleague.

11/30/22

My condolences to Nancy and the rest of Jim's family.

Jim and I crossed paths a number of times while I was practicing law in Delaware County. I was able to converse with him in the context of mostly criminal cases and a few civil cases as well. I appreciated Jim's zeal and enjoyed watching him prosecute (as Special DA) a misdemeanor jury trial in Walton Village Court for the better part of an entire day, from picking a jury through (not surprisingly) a guilty verdict.

I also had the opportunity to argue (in a friendly way) our very significant political differences and furthermore shared with him our similar challenges re: heart issues. I felt a sort of connection with Jim, being from downstate (Long Island) myself.

Nancy and I had an interesting experience in particular while on opposing sides representing a young couple going through the strains of separating and (at least temporarily) the surprising benefits to both of us of mediation; among the years I appeared in Family Court when Nancy was a Court Attorney handling many of the Family Court cases I had in Delaware County. It always appeared obvious to me that Jim and Nancy were/are a good match and more than once I crossed paths with them together while shopping.

But I'd like to finally say that despite the ups and downs, the differences of opinion, et. al., Jim is now hopefully in a better place, freed from the constraints and limitations of this life and on to better things and challenges, reunified with those gone before him and awaiting reunification with his friends and loved ones to come.

Take care Jim :)

Greg Peirez, Esq.

It was a pleasure to know Jim and an honor to call him my friend. I cannot express how sad I am to hear of his passing. Jim changed my life for the positive and gave me much needed confidence. Thank you my friend.

Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim loved you so and was always so porous of your success. You were as he said the “brains” of the operation. All of our love and support.

Nancy and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a tireless crusader for justice, truth and accountability. His willingness to right wrongs - and courageously run for office - are a testament to his fine character. He will be sorely missed. With compassion and sympathy - Lillian Browne