The community of Rio Hondo has lost a gentleman. Mr. James Hartzog left this world on January 19th and in his wake he left many hearts longing for one more day. I first met Mr. Hartzog when my family moved to Rio Hondo many, many years ago. He was working at that time with his father and brother in the little wood frame store: Hartzog's Grocery. We, my family and I, had moved into a small house owned by the Hartzog's on the same block where James, Henry, and their father each had a home. So, Richard and I had several Hartzogs watching over us.
Over the years there were many times that I had occasion to speak to Mr. Hartzog, and he was always the same: so very friendly and always asking about my brother. Once I began teaching, he let me know how proud he was of me, and I felt as if a family member had patted me on the back. That was the type of man he was. If you did good, he rejoiced with you, and if you didn't, he wept with you. He might even scold you if he deemed it necessary. It was all done in a spirit of love.
I was privileged to see Mr. and Mrs. Hartzog at the all school reunion the last of September. Of course there were the hugs and conversation, and both were their same jovial selves. I will be forever grateful that we met that one last time.
Seeing the various email and facebook posts, many people have fond memories of James. But, that is the way it is in Rio Hondo. Family... We may not share the same last name, but we definitely are family. I will not say good bye, sir, just vaya con Dios, until we meet again.
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