On May 29, 2020, James J. Hartnett, Sr. (90), patriarch of a large, close-knit Dallas family, died peacefully in his sleep at his home of 52 years. He was born in Sioux City, IA in 1929.

Jim grew up with ten siblings in Jackson, NE, a very small town near the Missouri River. Faith and family were paramount to him from childhood, and he was especially devoted to his mother, Florence. Jim followed his oldest brother, Bob, to Texas, and many more followed, but he never forgot his Jackson roots. Jim loved traveling back to Jackson throughout his life. At one point, he purchased his childhood home, later transferring it to his brother, Jack, whose family still owns it. He also helped fund a small park across the street from the family home, dedicated to mothers.

Prior to receiving his BBA and JD from the University of Texas, Jim served during the Korean War in the US Air Force's 5th Communications Squadron Command based in South Korea. His base regularly came under fire from "Bed Check Charlies," North Korean attack planes.

Jim first met Emily High in passing at the University of North Texas. Later, while attending the University of Texas, he spotted Emily walking by the UT bookstore, ran after her, and invited her for a soda. Emily never dated anyone again, and this simple invitation led to their amazing 64 year marriage. Jim insisted he "married up" and called Emily "my Bride" until the end.

Jim was a prominent trial and probate attorney in Dallas. He began his law practice in 1959 at Turner, Atwood, White, McLane & Francis. By 1967 the firm had changed to Turner, Hitchins, McInerney, Webb & Hartnett. Over the years, Jim became involved in probate litigation cases and was among a handful to develop this specialty in Texas. In 1982 he founded The Hartnett Law Firm, an estate and trust litigation boutique law firm, with two of his sons. One of his proudest accomplishments, the Firm has grown to include 9 family members spanning 3 generations and is thriving today. Jim always said "isn't practicing law fun?" He didn't believe in taking vacations because he loved his work so much, unless it involved family.

In 1970 Jim founded Hartnett Farms, an active farming operation in Ellis, Limestone, Navarro, and Hunt Counties. His grandfather and great-grandfather were prominent farmers in Nebraska, and he sought to follow in their footsteps. For decades, until the March 2020 COVID stay-at-home orders, his regular routine was to work 6 days a week at his law firm, attend Mass, and travel to his farms on Sundays. He especially loved when his children and grandchildren enjoyed his farms, always adding vehicles, toys, and animals to the operation for their entertainment.

As a young teenager, Jim pledged to his parish priest to never drink or smoke. He kept his pledge, and never even drank Communion wine. A gentleman in every way, he was unfailingly polite and respectful to all. Deeply religious, he regularly carried a rosary in his pocket and was a Knight of the Order of Malta. As a self-made man, he cared nothing for material possessions and for most of his life was happy driving an old station wagon. Despite being successful in every facet of his life, "Papa's" favorite activity was patiently pushing his many young grandchildren on his backyard swing set and pulling them in a little red wagon. He was the salt of the earth. He often said that being a parent was the greatest gift in life and was so proud of each of his children and grandchildren.

Jim had an amazing gift with people and his counsel was sought by many. He was generous with family, friends, and strangers. He believed strongly in giving generously and consistently to charity and did not want recognition for doing so.

Jim believed in the importance of education and worked hard to send his 5 sons to Cistercian Preparatory School and his 2 daughters to Ursuline Academy and The Hockaday School, and all 7 to college and then graduate school. He supported 6 through law school and 1 through business school. Jim served as President of the St. Bernard Parish CCD in 1964; on the Board of Trustees of Cistercian Prep. School during 1975-2005; and on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Foundation. He was elected Chairman of the Dallas Probate and Trust Law Section in 1974. He was one of the first attorneys in Dallas to be Board Certified by the Texas State Bar in Estate Planning and Probate.

Jim was predeceased by his parents: Tom Hartnett, Jr. and Florence Hartnett; son Robert Hartnett; granddaughter Hayden Hartnett; and 8 siblings: Tom Hartnett, III; Monica Berkley; Daniel Hartnett, Sr.; Gene Hartnett; Bill Hartnett; Dick Hartnett, Sr.; Bart Hartnett; and Jack Hartnett.

Jim is survived by Emily, his wife of 64 years, and their 6 children who live less than 2 miles away: Hon. Will Hartnett, Sr. (Tammy Cotton); Jim Hartnett, Jr. (Anne Perreault); Ellen Crim (Randy Crim); Jay Hartnett, Sr. (Deborah Gillum); Fred Hartnett (Nancy Martinson); and Melinda Hartnett (Chris Ellis); 20 grandchildren: Will Hartnett, Jr.; Winston Hartnett; Warner Hartnett; Tanner Hartnett (Braden Brown); Jim Hartnett, III; Michael Hartnett; Emily Crim; Patrick Crim; Andrew Crim; Charlotte Crim; Jay Hartnett, Jr.; Heidi Hartnett; Hatcher Hartnett; Hayes Hartnett; Henry Hartnett; Sienna Ellis; Christopher Ellis; Tabitha Ellis; Sophia Ellis; and Tatum Ellis; 2 great-grandchildren: Bode Brown and Benn Brown; 2 sisters: Peg O'Neill and Mary Jo Nelson; and over 50 nephews and nieces.

Jim's family is especially grateful to Donna Spencer, his legal assistant for 53 years before her death last year; her two children, Kevin Spencer, previously a partner at The Hartnett Law Firm, and Tracy Johnson, who currently works at the Firm; Bruce Wooten, Jim's go-to person for anything that was needed; Molly McHugh, his physical therapist; and Ginger McFatridge, Julie Johnston, and Barbara Whitmire, for their devoted assistance to Jim and Emily.

A private Rosary will be said for Jim at the Cistercian Abbey in Irving, TX on Monday, June 1 at 7:30. A mass of Christian Burial will occur on on Tuesday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church. Due to the Abbey and Church restrictions and policies during these unusual circumstances, the rosary and funeral are for extended family only and masks are required.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jim and Emily Hartnett Scholarship at Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, TX, St. Monica Church in Dallas, TX, or St. Monica School in Dallas, TX.