James Paul Hartwig

James “Jim” Hartwig passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2023 at the age of 68 with family by his side.

Jim will be remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 46 years Eileen Hartwig; Daughters: Katie (Michael) Lariviere, and Kristen (Jeff) Barnes; Grandchildren: Sydney, Anikan, Corbin, Matthew and Marcus; Sisters: Sylvia Hartwig, Linda Niemi (BJ), Judy (Cliff) Mitchel; Brother: Kenny (Pat) Hartwig; Sister-in-Law: Linda (John) Kosic; nieces and nephews. 

Jim was predeceased by his parents Paul and Sadie Hartwig, father and mother-in-law Bernard and Terry Zeamer and his son Brendan Hartwig.

Jim was born in Vernon, BC on May 15th, 1954 to parents Paul and Sadie Hartwig.  He was the eldest of five children.  Jim eventually ended up moving to Golden, BC with his siblings and parents.  Jim attended the local elementary school and high school where he made numerous life-long friends.  He was never a guy to miss a good time.  It was here in Golden where he also began his life long career as a millwright, met his wife Eileen and started a family of his own. 

Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and following around his children to their various sporting events.  In the winters, you would always find him at the rink and during the summer it was the ball park.  When relaxing in front of the TV, you would always find the channel on either a Leaf’s game in the winter or a Jays game in the summer.  He was one of the most dedicated Leaf fans around always saying “It’s their Year!!!”.

In 1995, Jim and his family moved to Malakwa, BC where he completed his millwright career and retired after the mill closed.  Bored with retirement, he worked a few winters for the Sicamous Snowmobile Club where he collected trail fees and enjoyed meeting new people. He liked the change of pace from not having to work in heavy industry.  

November 17th, 2000 tragedy stuck Jim and his family with the untimely death of his son Brendan.   It was a difficult time in Jim’s life.  It took many years to slowly begin to enjoy life again.  The addition of his five grandchildren brought back a spark within him and gave him a new lease on life.

Jim had a passion for cooking.  From his signature home made mac and cheese, to his one pot suppers, to the perfectly cooked roast, no one ever left his home with an empty stomach.  He always made sure that his fridge was full and all guests were always well fed and taken care of.  He was often heard telling people, “There’s lots to eat, have some more”.  No one was ever made to feel like a stranger in his home.  Everyone that entered into his life was made to feel like a part of his family.  His door was always open, coffee was always on and he was always ready to tell you he’s right even though he knew he was wrong. 

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  As per Jim’s request, he will have a simple internment at the Malakwa Cemetery at a later date.  In Lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Shuswap Paws Rescue Society in his honour.