James R. Jay Hartwick

Jay Hartwick was born on January 9, 1938 in Barstow, California to Roger and Nola Hartwick and has two older sisters, Rosemary and Judith.  He graduated from Barstow High School in 1956, then attended Valley College.  After college, Jay served in the U.S. Army for 4 years.
After working on his family farm and dairy, Hartwick Ranch, most of his childhood and early adult life, Jay opened “Jay’s Bike and Auto” in 1968.  His shop specialized in Schwinn bikes and high-performance engine parts for muscle cars.   Besides helping to get BMX racing going in Barstow, he was also known for his work with the Barstow Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber and other service organizations.
In 1987, Jay married the love of his life, Shirley. After 30 years, he closed his bike shop in 1998 and went to school to earn his Class A license.  He was a truck driver for Mann Calico Rock and Lewis Trucking for several years before becoming a heavy-duty mechanic at USMC Logistics Base in Yermo, Ca.  During his time working at the base, he proudly volunteered to work an assignment that took him to Iraq.  He received special recognition for this service.
After living most of his life in Barstow, Jay moved to Big Bear City in 2001.  He became involved in many service projects including COPS (Citizens On Patrol Service), “Tour de Big Bear” with the Cycling Assoc. and assembling bikes for needy children at Christmas through the Rotary Santa Project. 
Jay is survived by his wife, Shirley (Hart) Hartwick; children, Bryan Hartwick of Barstow; Kari Hartwick of Phelan, Ca; William Miller and wife, Sarah and family of Fullerton, Ca; Karen Santos and husband David and family of Kaneohe, HI; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his sister, Judith Neuman and husband Roger and family. 
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake (“J Hartwick-Santa Project” on the memo). P.O. Box 615, Big Bear Lake, Ca. 92315
Services: Memorial will be held Saturday, April 21st at 2 pm at Community Church, 40946 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, Ca; Burial will be held April 23rd at 10 am at Hillside Cemetery, 1540 Alessandro, Rd, Redlands, CA. http://www.emmersonbartlett.com