James William Bartlett was born January 28, 1954 to Richard and Rosemary Reilly Bartlett in Great Falls, Montana. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on December 15, 2010, in Lompoc. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Jim moved to Lompoc in 1979. He had a love for animals, racecars and science. He enjoyed meeting new people. He was married September 18, 1982 to Suzett Wilie. They have two children, Eric Bartlett and his wife Cate and Kathleen Ruiz and her husband Carlos. He has two granddaughters Tesha and Jazmin, two step grandsons Carlos and Christopher and one step great grandson Ethan. He has numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother Paul and his mother. He has three living sisters, Rachel, Diane and Sue Sue as well as a brother Eddie who is still living.

Jim had previously worked at Vandenberg Air Force Base in the 392nd Communications Squadron through Civil Service. He had a love for adventure as he had skateboarded, hang-glided and many other things that most thought impossible for him with his lack of limbs. He was the first American to have hand controls in a Corvette. He had a love for God and was baptized two years ago.

The Celebration of Life Service will be at First Southern Baptist Church, 1009 East Pine Street in Lompoc on January 8, 2011 at 2 pm. All are welcome.