Jerry Hartman Obituary

Jerry Hartman was born into this life with joy from the very beginning. He entered the world on August 14, 1945, in San Jose, California, to his parents, Phillip Newton and Pearline Hartman.

As the oldest of ten children — Fred, Rosalie, Judy, Diane, Vernon Junior, Maryland, Brenda, Mark, and Gregory — Jerry developed a protective nature that followed him throughout his life. Those early years shaped his outlook on life and taught him discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of duty to others. He often chose to do without and placed family needs before his own.

Later in life, Jerry was a father to Jerry Hartman, Jr., his stepdaughter, Felicia Wilson, and Michael Hartman. Fatherhood was a role he valued, and he handled it with care and responsibility.

In time, Jerry relocated from California to Colorado. He faced the adjustment head-on, never allowing difficulty to define his story. He was known for his positive spirit and the respect he showed others. One thing he did not leave behind was his unwavering love for the San Francisco 49ers. Even in Bronco Country, he proudly supported his team through every win and loss. If they lost a game, he would simply say, “It just wasn’t their day.”

The move led Jerry to seek purpose and meaning for his life. He accepted an invitation to attend Grace and Truth Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, where he knew he belonged. Under the leadership of Bishop Theodis Moore and Pastor Tastonga Moore, Jerry was saved and baptized. He joined the church and committed his life to service and obedience. He was later ordained as a deacon.

Deacon Jerry Hartman carried out his duties with genuine dedication and reverence. He taught Sunday School, assisted faithfully in the Finance Department, and conducted worship services on Men’s Day. He served in the ministry with humility and consistency for over twenty years, firmly believing that God would bless him as he helped others.

Deacon Jerry Hartman met Jessie Johnson at Grace and Truth Church. They were united in marriage and blended their family with Kason Johnson and Treyson Hartman. Their family enjoyed many trips and outings, spending time together at lakes and in the mountains. Jessie came to know Jerry as a devoted protector and affectionately called him “Daddy.” On one occasion, she expressed her discomfort with the darkness while the family took a walk in Glenwood Springs. Jerry calmly reassured her, saying, “Don’t be scared — I’ll be your flashlight.” In moments like these, he demonstrated his thoughtfulness and protection.

Jerry approached work as an adventure. He genuinely loved his job and the people he worked alongside. He was employed with American Sign & Barricade, where he began as a flagger and was later promoted to Traffic Controller Supervisor. Jerry did not allow age or health to define his capacity. His mind remained sharp and determined, even as his body slowed. He continued working for as long as he was able, with the support and respect of his colleagues, including Rhonda, Robin, and the Vance brothers. As his health declined, his doctor encouraged him to retire. According to his wife Jessie, whom he lovingly called “Jess,” Jerry’s response was simple and unwavering: he was not going until God said he was going.

Deacon Jerry Hartman departed this life and was called home to be with the Lord on January 12, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.

Deacon Jerry Hartman was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Newton; his mother, Pearline Hartman; brothers Fred Palmer, Vernon Junior Shaw, and Mark Shaw; sister Rosalie Lockhart; sister-in-law Johnnie Johnson; mother-in-law Addie Nelson; and father-in-law Charlie Johnson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jessie Johnson-Hartman; his children Jerry Hartman, Jr., Quinda Newton, his stepdaughter, Felicia Wilson, Michael Hartman, Kason Johnson, and Treyson Hartman; his grandson Kason Johnson, Jr.; his brother Gregory Fultcher; his sisters Maryland Shaw, Judy Lockhart, Diane Shaw, and Brenda Shaw; extended family; church family; and many other relatives and friends.

Before his passing, Jerry shared this final message with his wife, Jessie:

“Tell my church, my friends, and everyone I know that I love them — and I’m going to meet them at the gate.”

— Jerry Hartman

January 11, 2026