1934 - 2024
Dr. James Harlan Hart, 89, of Belleville, IL, formerly of McLeansboro, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Memorial Hospital of Belleville, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Flannigan Township in Hamilton County, IL on December 16, 1934 to Gleason and Lizzie (Smith) Hart. James grew up on a 40-acre farm putting enough crop out to feed their farm animals. He went to 8 years of grade school in a one-room school with his dad as the teacher.
James was very proud of his involvement with the Future Farmers of America organization. After finishing high school in McLeansboro, James enrolled in Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. During the first year, he dropped out and married Sharon York on August 8, 1953. They were blessed with three children: Shane, Kyle, and Raelene. After many jobs, James was drafted into the United States Army on May 6, 1957 until April 29, 1959. After returning home from Germany, he went to Clinton, Oklahoma working as a Lab Tech. During the next few years, he completed his Bachelor’s of Science at Southwestern State in Weatherford, OK and entered a Master’s Degree Program at Oklahoma University in Norman, OK. At the end of his first year, James was admitted into Oklahoma University Medical School in Oklahoma City and completed that degree in 1968. He specialized in OBGYN and ER medicine and had offices in Oklahoma City, OK, Danville, IL, East Alton, IL, and Williamsport, IN over the years. He retired in the 90s and thoroughly enjoyed the retired lifestyle, having dancing as his beloved hobby for the last many years. James enjoyed a wonderful and caring relationship with his significant other, Earlene Piquard.
James is survived by his three children: Shane (Kenzie) Hart of Frankford, MO, Kyle (Rachel) Hart of Quincy, IL, and Raelene (Eric) Roberson of Edwardsville, IL; five grandchildren: Briana Street, Sean Hart, Emily Roberson, Raechel Roberson, and Jacoby Roberson; two great-grandchildren: Jace Hart and Grace Hart; and one brother: Truman (Sandra) Hart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Thelma Neel.
Funeral services for Dr. James Harlan Hart will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Pastor Don Verhines officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow the funeral at IOOF Cemetery in McLeansboro. Graveside military funeral honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #106 and a United States Army Military Funeral Honors Team.
Memorial donations may be made to the following organizations and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro or may be mailed to: IOOF Cemetery, PO Box 35, McLeansboro, IL 62859 or to the National FFA Foundation, 660 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Funeral Home in Charge
