James Edward Hertlein

August 1, 1941 - May 3, 2022

James Edward Hertlein, 80, of Independence passed away peacefully on May 3, 2022 with family by his side. He was born in Hayes, Kansas on August 1, 1941. He is survived by his daughter Lisa Fleisner and her husband Gerhardt; his son Jimmy; sister Helen Newlin and her husband Ed; sister Carol Downs; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille. Jim’s extended family included Faye Ann Martin, his former wife and best friend and her children including, Cindy Riley and her husband Jim, Russ Peed, Steve Peed and his wife Pam, Debbie Meads and her husband Bud and Laura Johnson and her husband Keith. He was also named papa to an additional 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Jim proudly served in the US Navy in the early 60s. He was uniquely versatile and skillful in carpentry, roofing, plumbing, car repair and in so many other ways that benefited friends and family alike. Throughout his life he worked for Farmland in inventory control and for various insurance and car companies as a salesman. Jim loved his family and his family loved him dearly. There are untold stories of good times and many memories (and too many photos to count) with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by both family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 9, with visitation at 9:30 am, service at 10 am at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055. Memorial donations in his name should be payable to: Independence Animal Service, 21001 E MO-78 HWY, Independence, MO 64057