James K. (Jim) Hartman was born on September 27, 1932 in Freeport, Illinois to Arthur C. Hartman and Kathryn Bender Hartman. After graduating from Freeport High School in 1950, Jim attended Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin and graduated with a Geology degree in 1954. Jim joined Gulf Oil Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas as a geologist working in Wichita Falls and Ft. Worth before moving to Midland in 1959. In Midland, he served in various geologic positions until 1978 when he left Gulf Oil to join Anadarko Production Company as Exploration Manager of the Midland District. Since 1988, Jim operated as an independent geologist and private investor.Jim was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church beginning in 1959, sang in the church choir, sometimes as a soloist, and served the church in many capacities. He was a member of AAPG, West Texas Geological Society and the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists where he served as Chairman of the Midland Chapter. In later years, he joined the Chevron Retirees Association, Serving as President of the Permian Basin Chapter for 2 years. Other activities that Jim enjoyed included volunteering with the Tree Keepers of Keep Midland Beautiful, delivering Meals on Wheels, genealogy research and spending time with his family and dog at the lake house in Sunrise Beach on Lake LBJ near Austin. Jim and Carol had many opportunities to travel and pursue their mutual interest in history.Jim is survived by the family whom he dearly loved including his wife Carol of 53 years, 3 children and 8 grandchildren: son David Hartman and his wife Teresa of Midland and children Daniel and Melissa; daughter Diane Darling, her husband Bruce and daughter Erin all of Austin, Texas; daughter Sharon Penasa, her husband Fred and their five children Angie, Mitchell, Rusty, Karima and Misty, all of Montrose, Colorado.In celebration of his life, a funeral service is scheduled at St. Luke's United Methodist Church at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 with the Reverend Richard Edwards officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday February 19, 2008 between the hours of 6-8 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory 3800 N. Big Spring Midland, Texas 79705. Burial will follow in Resthaven North Cemetery.Pallbearers will be David Hartman, Daniel Hartman, Fred Penasa, Mitch Penasa, Rusty Penasa, and Bruce Beasley. Honorary pallbearer will be Bruce Darling.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to the Petroleum Museum, 1500 I-20 West, Midland, TX 79701 or St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3011 W Kansas AVE, Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
