Label
RIA: James Hartung
Sarantou,
Title
Memorializing James H. Hartung
Summary
WHEREAS, James “Jim” Howard Hartung was born on March 15, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on October 2, 2026 at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Jim grew up in Chicago, then attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, where he studied sociology, history, and literature. He later pursued studies in public administration at Georgia State University and Depaul University; and
WHEREAS, Jim’s varied academic interests helped him establish a career devoted to public service, trade, and economic development, within and across international borders; and
WHEREAS, Jim fulfilled many important roles in his career, including as the Director of Economic Development at the Chicago International Port, the Commissioner of the Great Lakes Commission, the founding President of the Northwest Indiana World Trade Council, the President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the Chairman of the US Delegation of the American Association of Port Authorities, among others ; and
WHEREAS, Jim was widely recognized for his incredible economic development work over the years, being named the “Sagamore of the Wabash”, the Person of the Year for the Great Lakes, and the first recipient of the James Hartung Lifetime Achievement Award, for contributions to maritime transportation and international trade; and
WHEREAS, Jim shared 43 years of marriage with his beloved wife Anna (DeFalco) Hartung. The pair had two children, Heidi and Howard, and have three grandchildren. He was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in their accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Jim was heavily involved in the community beyond his demanding career; he was Chairman of the UT Intermodal Transportation Institute, Chairman of the UT Business Advisory Board, President of ICHCA International, and a central figure in the Toledo Sister Cities International Organization. He dedicated all his years to...
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