James Andrew Hart

James Andrew Hart

Lt. Col. USMC - Retired

August 29, 1936 – June 30, 2024

Only son to Andrew Ernest Slagerman, Jr., and Patricia Anne Mooney and Step-son to Dr. Charles Joseph Hart. Born in San Francisco, he moved to Walnut Creek in 1944. Graduate of Acalanes High School class of 1954. He attended Stanford University and graduated from the United States Naval Academy Class of 1961, with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After decades of service in the United States Marine Corp, he went on to have second career as a systems engineer with Pacific Bell. He was a champion at the shotput and discus from his years in high school through his late 60s. Ranked No. 4 in the world in 1981 at the World Masters Track & Field Championship at age 45. He won numerous gold medals at the Senior Olympics in shotput, discus, and hammer throughout his 40s, 50s, and 60s. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn (Wylie), his son Tim Hart and daughter-in-law Leanne of San Ramon, daughter Therese Hart-Pignotti and husband Robert of Concord, granddaughters Emma and Taylor Hart of Walnut Creek, and their mother Elizabeth, grandson Seaman Kai Pignotti, USCG, of Concord, a sister Kathy (Hart) Schmidt and brother-in-law, Paul of Sacramento and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a Rosary on Thursday, 6pm - July 11th, at Oak Park Hill Chapel in Walnut Creek. Funeral mass/service will be Friday, 10:30am - July 12th, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Walnut Creek. Donations may be made in his name to the Knights of Columbus. Make checks payable to Knights of Columbus and reference Council 8207. Checks can be collected at the funeral service or placed in the collection basket any time after. Donations can also be mailed to St John Vianney Catholic Church at 1650 Ygnacio Valley road Walnut Creek 94598.