Jerry Carlile Hartsfield

March 4th, 1943 - July 17th, 2014

Jerry's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Jerry here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Dear Lisa
your dad ,was a mentor to me in the music field he taught me well at what I do many many breakfast times we spent together,as he gave me tips on being a stage manager ,I learned from the best ,I will always have a place in my heart for him , I also know when I am on stage he will be along my side guiding me in the right direction I spent 22 years as entertainment chairman for the blueberry festival and he helped me be there ,thanks for sharing your dad with us lisa ,what a great person he was & a really true friend we all will miss him dearly

lee mealer

When I first had the chance in meeting J.C. through Morris Horowitz & I remember sitting there thinking that he had a way of adjusting to each person he was with making them feel comfortable like he was talking directly to you like he enjoyed each person no matter what caliber you were ... Then it came to me ... He was not acting but he actually enjoyed meeting each new person and made them feel like they were special although he was truly the special one that we need more of in this world !!

The Brewington Family

My cousin, J.C., was about 4 years younger than I so I knew him all his life. He was an unusual person. We did not see each other often after we became adults, but when I did, I was always impressed with his intelligence, athletic ability, and zest for life. When he became interested in an activity or a subject, he had the drive to become an expert. Usually, I knew only enough to know that he was telling the truth. Of course, music was his most important activity, and riding motorcycles was second. However, he was a U.S. Marine (member of Marine Rifle Team), a Black Belt in martial arts, a mountain bike rider, a sailor, a horse trainer, a bowler, and participated in various other activities and mastered them. Most of us take the easy way out and stick to what is comfortable, but J.C. loved challenges and became an expert many diverse activities and subjects.

David Ganger

I met JC when he and his family moved in next door to me on park ave. I got to spend a great deal of time in his company both at home and at fidelman's. He was always fun to be around and was always glad to discuss music with the budding guitarist I was at the time. He and his family always made me feel welcome in their home. your dad taught me a lot Lisa he was a good friend, neighbor, and mentor and I am greatful that you and your family shared him so generously with the rest of us.

alan kester

Dear Lisa,
Bob I I had the amazing privilege to meet your Dad a couple of times. Bob and your Dad talked about Harley trips and more Harley trips. I was just mesmerized by one of the coolest guys I'd ever met. He lived his life the exact way he wanted too, not many of us take the chance to do that. I know the sadness of losing a Dad, its a whole in your heart that never gets refilled. But knowing of his love for you and his family will eventually soften the pain you're feeling. Your wonderful husband is by your side, and you friends will always be here for you.
Our condolences to your sister Leslie and Grandmother.
With love and sorrow. Barbara & Bob

Barbara & Bob LaVelle

Only met Jerry one time - at the Elks club in Mountain Home Arkansas - he was riding through on one of his journeys and stopped to visit the brother of one of his old friends. Mark and I spent the whole evening visiting with him and then the light bulb went on Oh that JC Hartsfield. We tried over the next few years to find a time we could all go fishing together but couldn't make it happen. We were truly saddened by his passing. Thank you for all the fabulous music memories and one very special evening with just Jerry!!!

Terry and Mark Brady

Lisa
Was looking for some music this morning and found this. Now I'm having a sketchy day. I had the opportunity to work with your dad a couple times in the 70s when he worked for the Rock Island railroad. For whatever reason, those times have left an impression that is for life. We did not hang out, ride bikes or fish off the clock. We did smoke a little "Rabbit Tobacco" and laugh a lot. May have pissed a couple of old fart engineers off but I hope they got over it. He always had a smile and treated this, lonely, out of place, California kid with kindness. I will never forget that. So sorry.
Mike

Mike McHenry

I just found out about the passing of J.C. Hartsfield. I met J.C. when I lived in Lawrence, MI, in the mid-80s. This was around the time when the band was breaking up. J.C. was a good friend to me in so many ways. Besides the joy he brought with this music, J.C. was a decent, kind man. I remember the first time J.C. brought home a CD disc and told us all how this was the future of music. We felt like we were on the cutting edge of the music scene at that time. I still play the first 3 albums all the time and share this great music with my friends today. Rest in Peace J.C. Thank you for your smile, your music, your friendship and the Wonder of It All!
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