LOUISBURG, NC - James W. Bartley died Tuesday, 12 July, 2011.

He was part of the “Greatest Generation” and made tremendous contributions to his country.  He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Jim was the only child of Gooch Bartley and Mary Vaughan Walthall Bartley of Fulton, Missouri.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Christine Bartley.

He graduated from Fulton high school in 1943 and entered military service during WWII.  He fought in the European theater at Saint Lo and the Ardennes including the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Purple Heart and three bronze stars.  He was discharged in 1946.

He enrolled in the college of engineering at the University of Missouri - Columbia and graduated in 1949.  He held several positions as a mechanical engineer and worked on many projects including:

-   The first automated TNT plant
-   The first tubeless tire and steel-belted radial tire
-   Development of major rocket engines, and was chief test engineer for Saturn V

His last assignment was as a civilian employee for the United States Air Force at the Foreign Technology Division at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.  He retired to North Carolina October 10th, 1986.

Jim is survived by sons Shelby Bowles (Susie) of Maryland, Larry Bowles of Mississippi, Barry Bowles of Ohio, William Bartley (Hernina) of Nevada, James L. Bartley (Mary) of Cary, NC , daughter  Janie Baker (Bill) of California; and  9 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be directed to the Louisburg United Methodist Church, PO Box 667, Louisburg, NC 27549. 

Services were held at Strickland Funeral Home Chapel, 103 W. Franklin St, Louisburg, NC 27549 at 11:00 AM Friday, July 15. The family received friends one hour prior to the service.

www.stricklandfuneralhome.net

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