James W. Hartline

James William Hartline, age 93, of Royal Oak, passed away on April 20, 2020. James grew up on a farm in Strasburg, OH that grew corn for cattle feed and his father worked as a carpenter and built the house he grew up in. He enlisted in the Navy during WW II but was turned down because of a crooked arm. He then went to college at Kent State. While still in college, he was drafted into the army, and served as a clerk in Germany. By the time he had arrived in Europe the war had ended, and he was able to witness the Nuremberg Trials while not on duty. After being discharged from the army, he went back to Kent State and earned a bachelor's degree in business/accounting. His first job was at the local bank in his home town of Strasburg. He went on to work at General Motors in Cleveland, OH where he met his wife, Beverly. They moved to Bay Village OH and started a family. In 1971 he transferred to Detroit, MI to work for the Chevrolet Division of GM. He worked there until his retirement in 1992. In his free time, James particularly enjoyed keeping track of his investments. He also really enjoyed genealogy, which was his big hobby for the past 30 years or so. He was a huge sports fan as well, and watched the Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings regularly. He enjoyed playing cards. Bridge was a favorite when he was younger, and Hearts during his later years. After moving from his home in Sterling Heights to Waltonwood of Royal Oak in 2018, he enjoyed the activities there and made some good friends. Above all else though, he adored his family and loved listening to his grandchildren's stories. James was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed. James was the beloved husband of the late Beverly. Loving father of Barbara Doppel, John Hartline, and Susan Dorsey. Dear grandfather of Michael, Emma, Stephen and Joshua. Memorial Contributions to the Franklin Strasburg School District are appreciated. A memorial service will be held once social distancing restrictions are lifted. Please check back for updates. Please share a memory on the Tribute Wall at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com. (April 20, 2020)

James W. Hartline

December 13, 1926 - April 20, 2020