James Emmett Hartigan

James Emmett “Jim” Hartigan, Sr., age 100, of Roanoke, Virginia, completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born on August 31, 1924 in Vinton, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph D. Hartigan and Sallie Moore Hartigan, son-in-law, John Hickle, grandson, Anthony Hickle, and all of his siblings. Jim is survived by his bride of 76 years, Ernestine Pasley Hartigan, daughters, Lynne Humphreys (Pete) and Jeanette Hatcher (Craig), and son, Dr. James E. Hartigan, Jr. (Debbie); three cherished grandchildren, Chris Elliott, Andrew Hickle, and Valerie Dimkovikj, and five great-grandchildren, Jason, Hazel, Gwenyth, Lola, and Elora, as well as numerous nephews and nieces, and countless friends.Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1943. He served in the Pacific on a destroyer escort in World War II until the end of the war. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He completed his High School degree at New London Academy where he met the love of his life, Ernestine Pasley, who was a teacher at the school. After getting permission from the school board, they began dating and were married in June 1948. He was an adoring and devoted husband who showed his love for her every day of his life. They were able to travel extensively following their retirement. Jim graduated from Bridgewater College and began working in accounting in Roanoke, Va. He had a long career serving as accountant, finance manager, tax consultant, and company controller, store owner, and teacher. His faith was absolute and he served in church leadership at Belmont Christian, Westhampton Christian and Mt. Ivy Christian. Jim’s greatest joy was his family and family vacations were very special times. He loved to sing and had the voice of an angel. He was also a poet at heart, and wrote poems for his family members that expressed his love, encouragement, support, and his wonderful sense of humor. He was a gentle, kind, calm, loving man who unselfishly served his family, church, and community. His legacy of love and faith will live on in our hearts forever.A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to Mt. Ivy Christian Church, 5120 Scruggs Road Moneta, VA 24121, or the Veterans support organization of your choice. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.