James F. Hartsell

James F. Hartsell, age 82, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, formerly of Tecumseh,  passed away the morning of April 20, 2019.  Known to friends and family as “Jim”, he was born on May 14, 1936 in Tecumseh, Michigan,  the son James E. and Rena M. (Marsh) Hartsell.  After graduating from Tecumseh High School in 1954, he worked for the City of Tecumseh in heavy equipment. He then hired on at the Tecumseh Products Company in 1955, and worked there for the next five years.  Jim went on to enlist in the United States Air Force and served his country from 1959 - 1963. While in the USAF, he graduated from Electronic School in Biloxi, MS in 1959, and then worked with the USAFE Microwave Radio Relay in Birkenfeld / Nahne, Germany from 1960 - 1962, followed by involvement in the Strategic Air Command, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program, in Rapid City, SD during 1963. In 1963, Jim moved to Pontiac, MI where he was employed by General Motors Company until 1987.  His  tenure with General Motors Company included work as a Data Processor, Financial Manager, and Human Resource Consultant.  Jim moved back to Tecumseh, MI in 1987 and started California Toning, an exercise salon.  He was very active in the Tecumseh Historical Society and the Tecumseh Area Chamber Commerce. In 1989 he was appointed President / CEO of Universal Health Products, an international marketer of skin care products, training and equipment in Bristol, VA. At the age of 62, Jim married the love of his life, Anne (Bouchelle) Hartsell.  They spent 7 years traveling the country in an RV before settling in Port St. Lucie, FL.  He leaves behind his beloved wife, Anne; their yorkie, Princess; his daughter Michelle R. Beckwith and her husband, Rodney Beckwith IV, and grandsons, Zachary and Alexander Beckwith; his daughter Christina M. Merrow, her fiancé Stanley Zarzycki II,  and two grandsons, Austin and Dylan Hayes, and a great grand-daughter Greenlee Hayes.  In addition, many cousins, nephews, nieces, and great friends from all walks of his life.  He will be missed by all, but we know he is at peace and still lives in our hearts. Funeral services will be 11:00 A. M. Thursday, April 25. 2019 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.  Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery.  Visitation will be at 10:00 A. M., one hour preceding  the service at the funeral home. 
 

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