James Howard Hartung, 83, passed away on October 2, 2026 at home in Toledo Ohio, James was born on March 15, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois.

James shared 43 years of marriage with his beloved wife Anna (DeFalco) Hartung, together they built a life centered on family, companionship and a shared commitment to their community. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who took great pride in his family and their accomplishments.

He is survived by his wife Anna, his children Heidi and Howard (Tatjana) Hartung, his grandchildren James, Olivia and Jacob, and his brother Michael (Mary) Hartung. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Santina Hartung and his sister Alma Jean (Joseph) Bledsoe.

A native of Chicago, James attended Andrews University, where he studied sociology, history and literature. He later pursued graduate studies in public administration at Georgia State University and DePaul University. His education helped establish the foundation for a career devoted to public service, transportation, international trade and economic development.

James later entered the maritime transportation industry and from 1980-83, he served as the Director of Economic Development at the Chicago International Port. There he negotiated two Foreign Trade Zone/Subzone agreements. He was appointed by IllinoisGovernor Thompson to serve on the Task Force for the research and preparation of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Legislation and also asked to serve as Commissioner to the Great Lakes Commission.

From there he was the Port Director at Burns International Harbor in northwest Indiana 1983-94. During his tenure, he helped advance maritime commerce, intermodal transportation and economic development throughout the region. In 1992, he helped establish the Northwest Indiana World Trade Council and served as its founding president. He also contributed his leadership to organizations including the Northwest Indiana Forum, the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Northwest Indiana.

In May 1994, James became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. In that role, he helped guide one of Northwest Ohio’s most important economic-development organizations, with responsibilities encompassing maritime commerce, aviation, transportation infrastructure, logistics and regional development. His leadership helped strengthen Toledo’s position as an important Great Lakes transportation and international trade center.

James was widely respected throughout the maritime and transportation industries. He served as Chairman of the United States delegation of the American Association of Port Authorities and held leadership positions with organizations dedicated to Great Lakes shipping, international cargo handling and intermodal transportation. He also chaired the Transportation Council of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments and participated in numerous regional and national transportation initiatives.

His professional achievements earned him significant recognition. In 1991, James received the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of the State of Indiana’s highest civilian honors. He was also recognized as Person of the Year by Great Lakes maritime organizations. In 1999, he received the first James Hartung Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor bearing his name in recognition of his contributions to maritime transportation, international trade and regional development.

James remained deeply involved in education and community service. He served as Chairman of the University of Toledo’s Intermodal Transportation Institute and Chairman of the University’s College of Business Advisory Board, helping connect higher education with transportation research, logistics, workforce development and economic opportunity. He also supported civic and educational initiatives throughout Northwest Ohio and served in leadership roles with organizations including the Greater Toledo Urban League. James Howard Hartung served as President for ICHCA International from 29 May 2002 to 29 April 2010.

Following his port leadership, James continued contributing his experience through corporate governance, consulting and community service. He served as Chairman of the Board of N-Viro International Corporation, a Toledo-based environmental technology company focused on converting municipal and industrial residuals into beneficial-use products. In that position, he provided guidance in corporate governance, long-range planning and management oversight.

James’s professional life was defined by leadership, vision and an enduring belief in the value of public service. He understood that transportation and economic development were ultimately about connecting people, creating opportunities and strengthening communities. His work influenced ports, transportation systems, educational institutions and civic organizations throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Although his professional accomplishments were many, James’s greatest and most lasting legacy is found in the family he loved. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, respected leader and loyal friend. His intelligence, determination, strength of character and commitment to serving others made a lasting impression on the many people whose lives he touched.

James will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, former colleagues and the many communities he served throughout his life.

SELECTED AWARDS RECEIVED:

• First recipient of the annual James H. Hartung Leadership Award, for Leadership in Promoting International Commerce. The Northwest Indiana World Trade Council instituted this annual award in 1999 to recognize contributions to the growth of International Commerce in Northwest Indiana.
• Man of the Year, 1991, presented by the Great Lakes Commission and the St. Lawrence Maritime Forum.
• Sagamore of the Wabash, State of Indiana Governor, 1991. Highest Award that can be bestowed by Governor of Indiana; Received Second Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1994.
• Hoosier World Ambassador’s Award, State of Indiana, Department of Commerce, 1989.
• Spirit of Toledo Award, City of Toledo, Mayor 1997.
• Honorary Longshoreman, Great Lakes District Council, International Longshoreman’s Association(ILA), 1999. (First Port Director in the USA ever to receive this designation).
• Honorary, Lifelong Citizenship Award, City of Portage, Indiana.
• Charles Penn Humanitarian Award, Greater Toledo Urban League.
• Ohio Department of Corrections Special Recognition for Leadership in promoting Ex-Offender reentry programming.

BOARD AFFILIATIONS

• Chairman of the Board, Greater Toledo Urban League
• Executive Board, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
• President Board of Directors, Toledo Sister Cities International, Inc.
• Board of Directors, Toledo Area International Trade Association
• Board of Directors, The Maritime Academy of Toledo
• Board of Directors National Maritime Museum of the Great Lakes
• Board of Trustees, Toledo Opera
• Board of Advisors, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
• Board of Directors, International Business Institute, University of Toledo
• Board of Directors, March of Dimes, Chicago Chapter
• Commissioner, Governor’s appointee to Great Lakes Commission
• Commissioner, Governor’s appointee, Ohio Rail Development Commission
• Chairman, The University of Toledo Intermodal Transportation Institute
• Chairman, Board of Advisors, The University of Toledo College of Business
• Commissioner, Ohio Rail Development Commission (Gubernatorial Appointment)

CLUB AFFLILIATIONS:

• Diogenes Society
• Torch Club of Toledo
• The Tile Club of Toledo
• Ancient Order of the Clustefers
• The Answer Club