Obituary of James F. Hart

James F. Hart Olean, NY James F. Hart, 89, of Irving St., passed away Monday (November 24, 2025) in the loving care and presence of his family. Born August 7, 1936 in Olean, he was the son of John A. Hart and Edith R. Jones Shorter. Jim was raised by his mother and also his stepfather, Clarence “Zip” Shorter. Jim was a graduate of Olean High School. In 1954 he enlisted in the US Navy where he was stationed in the Mediterraneum and was honorably discharged in 1957. He began his working years as a brick layer and later lived in both Houston, TX and Miami, FL where he worked as an HVAC employee for apartment complexes. He moved home to Olean in 1998 and again worked as a brick layer. Jim was always one to stay active so after retirement he worked mornings at the Beef ‘N Barrel restaurant. Jim loved fishing, boating, and horse pulls. He enjoyed trips to the casino, was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and was an active member of the former Christopher Columbus Lodge in Olean. As a younger man he was a boxer and a trainer for several young men around Olean. He leaves behind his loving family including his daughter, Tracy (Steve Severtson) Hart of Olean; three grandchildren, Terrence Myszka, Tenisha (Davon) Dunbar, and Clarissa (Corey) Bennett; three great grandchildren, Corey James, Callie, and Davinique; one brother, John (Carmen) Hart of Hanford, CA; two sisters, Mary Hemphill and Linda McClain, both of Olean; two stepdaughters, Barbie and Nikki, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a special “grandson,” Dezmine Adams of Buffalo. He was predeceased by two sisters, Evelyn Bird and Laura Hilliker and four brothers, Gerald “Spyder” Shorter, Darryl Hart, Robert Shorter, and Clarence Shorter. The family welcomes friends to attend a visitation and funeral service to be held Saturday (December 6, 2025) from 11am until noon at Epic Church, 411 W. Henley St., Olean. A service will begin at noon at the church, beginning with full military honors provided by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. The service and committal will be officiated by Rev. Stanley Parks. Burial will be at Mt. View Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor, Olean. Arrangements are with the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.