James Patrick Hartley

James Patrick Hartley, 77, of Little Compton, RI passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022 after
spending his last five days surrounded by family and friends. Born in Chelsea, MA, he was the
son of the late James Patrick Hartley and Anne Marie (Hurley) Hartley. Jamie, as he was widely
known, was the older brother of Patsy and Noreen. His father passed away after returning from
serving in World War II when Jamie was a young boy. Jamie took the responsibility of being the
only male in the family very seriously.
From a young age, Jamie had an incredible work ethic. He often told the story to his children,
grandchildren, and most importantly, his son-in-laws, about when he worked at a loading dock
as a teenager. As his co-workers chose to walk, Jamie ran so that he could do twice as much
work and secure his job.
Jamie and his family relocated to Baltimore, MD which he would call home for the next 50
years. It was there he met his wife of 33 years, Leslie (Little) Hartley Langer, and raised his two
daughters Neile and Brynne. He derived much pride from his family and worked hard to
provide his daughters with an excellent education and his family a beautiful life.
He was the president and owner of Atlas Exterminator Company in Baltimore, MD. In the mideighties,
Jamie and his best friend Don Huber decided to get into the speculative home
market. They built ten houses, two of which were their personal homes. They also were in a
partnership that developed "Sunset Knoll", a community of 14-15 lots in a Baltimore suburb.
When speaking with Don after Jamie's passing he said "All and all we did what we wanted to
accomplish, we each built a home and paid for our children's educations. Success and fun
along the journey."
In his free time, Jamie enjoyed duck hunting with friends on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
There were many weekends spent shooting during the day and playing cards at night. His
daughters were sometimes invited to carry the shells and take part in the evening revelry. In
addition to hunting around the world, Jamie also enjoyed time on the water. He took many
sailing trips with friends and enjoyed his boat which he kept in the Baltimore Harbor.
More than anything, Jamie was known for his quick wit. He regaled his friends and family with
many stories. Probably the most remembered story was about the next door neighbor's pet
rabbit that was delivered to his doorstep dead and muddied by his dog Gunner. Jamie
proceeded to wash and blow dry the rabbit, return it to its cage in the middle of the night, only
to find out it had died and been buried the week before!
After selling his business, Jamie settled in Little Compton, RI which he adored. He loved his
home in the center of town and was well known in the community. Many of his friends were
from his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. He and his family were very proud of his
sobriety.
Jamie is survived by his daughters Neile Messer and her husband Chad of Old Greenwich, CT
and Brynne Peck and her husband Bob of Naples, FL and Middletown, RI. He also leaves his
sister Patsy Pollard of Baltimore, MD with whom he spent his last few days. He was
predeceased in death by his sister Noreen Godwin.
He also leaves behind his six grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Campbell Peck,
Hartley Messer, Macky Peck, Caroline Messer, Finley Peck and Lindsay Messer.
The family will hold a private service and look forward to celebrating his life with his family and
friends at a later date in Little Compton, RI and Baltimore, MD.
Thank you to everyone at the Grand Islander in Middletown, RI who took such good care of
Jamie at the end of his life.