James "Jim" C. Hartley

James (Jim) C. Hartley, aged 73 passed away in the early morning hours of July 18, 2023 peacefully at his home in Lakeland, FL with his family by his side.

Jim was born on July 17, 1950 in Bay City, MI to the late Calvin and Rena Hartley. He graduated from T.L. Handy High in 1968 and subsequently joined the Navy. Jim was part of the USNR-R from 1967 to 1973 and was engaged in active duty in the Republic of the Philippines on the Subic Bay Naval Base. He was honorably discharged as an E3 Boatswain’s Mate.

Jim spent 34 years with Teamsters Local 486 and retired from Quality Carriers in 2009.

Jim spent the majority of his life in Bay City, MI and relocated to Wolverine, MI in 2009 upon retirement. He then relocated to Lakeland, FL in 2022. He and his late wife Lorraine were owners & proprietors of the Whyte Goose Inn in Bay City, MI from 1996 through 2021. During retirement he enjoyed hunting, trail rides through Northern Michigan on his side-by-side, and enjoying nature & his view from his lanai at his home in Lakeland, FL.

Jim is survived by his three children; Nicole Chervenak (Steve) of Lakeland, FL; Ryan Gelisse (Lee) of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; and Joshua Hartley of Lakeland, FL; and grandchildren Jacob & Sarah Buschlen of Battle Creek, MI; two sisters Suzanne Taylor of Bay City, MI, Nancy (Denny) Lalonde of Bay City, MI and one brother Gary (Colleen) Hartley of Redondo Beach, CA. Also surviving Jim is his first wife and mother of Nicole & Joshua, Diane Irwin of Spring Hill, FL. Jim has many beloved nieces and nephews including his goddaughter April Yax of Bay City, MI and godson Drew Hartley of San Diego, CA.

Jim is pre-deceased by his wife Lorraine Hartley (2020), sister Barbara Conner (2014), brother-in-law Bob Taylor (2015).


At the request of Jim, cremation has taken place and visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Gephart Funeral Home with Military Honors taking place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Gephart Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to Wishes of the Family.