James D. Hart

James D. Hart, 64, after fighting valiantly, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Upstate Community Hospital. Jim grew up in and around Syracuse. He resided at Reinman Group Home in Syracuse and attended Westcott Day Hab. He was the son of the late Howard J. Hart Sr. and Betty Sue Mercer.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by an infant sister, Amy Lou. Jim is survived by his three sisters: Kathleen A. Hart, Linda S. (Ritchie) Euson and Sandra M. Hart; his brother, Howard J. Hart, Jr., and many nieces and nephews.

Jim enjoyed watching old tv shows and movies; he especially loved The Wizard of Oz, Mama Mia, and The Golden Girls (loved “Betty White” but not so much the ‘grandma’). He enjoyed going to the movies and going to see stage plays, especially musicals. He also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and other animals, but he loved dogs the most. In fact, one of his favorite songs was “Who Let the Dogs Out.” Jim really loved all music, even dabbling in a little karaoke himself. If the beat was grooving, Jim was moving. He even had his own ‘Special Dance’ – the “Jim Shoulder Shimmy!” But above all, what Jim cherished doing the most was just spending time with his Beloved Family and Friends!

And when Jim entered a room, you knew a good time was coming – with his ‘witty’ banter, his stories and ‘gossip’ (some true - some not?), his quick jokes, and contagious laughter - altho, he was especially known for his ‘zinger’ one-liners! And you always knew when Jim was happy; he’d have a ‘mile-wide’ smile that would melt you; and you also knew quickly when he was ‘not’, as you might instead hear a few “choice” words – ‘but either way’, it always came from a place of Love. And “To Know Jim Is To Love Him”! He was a ‘one-of-a-kind’, gentle soul with a Loving Heart and a kind word and smile for everyone and his last name “HART” says it all because he truly was “All Heart”! Jim loved everyone and everyone loved Jim! And no matter what he was going through, Jim still smiled at the nurses (would ask ‘them’ out to dinner and even ask ‘them’ to marry him - yes, ‘more than one’). Jim was a true warrior and our hero. Despite all of his daily challenges due to Muscular Dystrophy & DD/ID and lifelong medical struggles and setbacks, because he still felt so much joy and love in his life it gave him the will to keep on fighting right up until the end. While Jim himself never gave up, unfortunately his body did. And while Jim will be dearly missed, he will live on in our cherished memories and in our “Hart’s” forever!

The family of Jim Hart would like to “Thank All” who cared for and about “our Jim”- the hospitals and medical facilities; but most recently and especially Upstate at Community, all the group homes / day habs where he lived / attended in the past. We want to especially thank “Jamie Migliaccio” for her previous many years of loving care for Jim. Special thanks also to “Westcott Day Hab”! And we would like to give our “Hart” Felt Thanks to All at Reinman for all their Loving Care and Love for “our Jim! “Thank You” for being his “2nd Family” and for giving him such a “Loving Home”! As Jim would say (or sing) to you – “Thank You For Being A Friend”! 

Jim loved flowers or contributions may be given in Jim’s memory to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue 7268 Caswell Ave. North Syracuse , NY 13212.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 -7:00 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, 11:00 am at the funeral home with burial in Liverpool Village Cemetery following.