In Loving Memory of Jim Bartlett, with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James (Jim) Lee Bartlett, our brother, friend, and engineer who left us on January 24, 2026, at the age of 70. Jim passed away unexpectedly at home in Concord, California of natural causes. Born on June 29, 1955, in Fort Madison, Iowa, Jim was the son of the late Paul and Rosanna (Vonderhaar) Bartlett and a brother to many.
He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Rosanna (Vonderhaar) Bartlett, his brother Charles Bartlett, and sister-in-law Mary Lou Bartlett. He is survived by his siblings: Roger Bartlett (Mary Lou), Roy (Diane) Bartlett, Rob (Sharon) Bartlett, Barb (Bill) Fowler, Jean (Bill) Smith, Don (Denise) Bartlett, and Dave (Jane) Bartlett. Additionally, Jim leaves behind many nieces and nephews, his special friend, Mimi Foord, along with countless friends he knew over the years. A graduate of Fort Madison High School in 1973, Jim pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1977, followed by a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering in 1979. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career at Brown and Caldwell in Walnut Creek, California, where he worked until his retirement in 2019. Jim was a hard-working and detailed engineer, responsible for designing numerous wastewater treatment plants across California, Hawaii, and other western states. His expertise and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his peers nationwide. He was certified as a Professional Engineer in both Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim had varied interests. He was a supporter of Public Radio and actively participated in Christmas in April, contributing both his planning skills and hands-on efforts to community projects. An avid cyclist, Jim could often be found biking the nearly 4,000 feet of elevation up Mount Diablo every Saturday. He was also devoted to saving the planet, bicycle-commuting to work nearly every day of his career and using his bike as his main mode of transportation. He liked to say, “I only eat things that didn’t have a mother” to describe his environmentally-friendly eating habits.
He was also a devoted cat lover, sharing his home with several feline companions over the years. He enjoyed gardening, enjoyed reading for knowledge and enjoyed the company of others. Many knew Jim by different names—Meebo to his family, Barney to many of his friends, and Jim in professional circles. Regardless of the title, he was known for his knowledge, friendliness, and dependability.
A celebration of life will be held in California by his friends on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Manzanilla Room, Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, California.
In addition, the family will have a celebration of Jim's life on July 18, 2026, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the Elks Lodge in Fort Madison, Iowa. The family invites all who knew him to join in remembrance. If unable to attend raise a glass to Jim at Barney's Bike Shop and Brewery, preferably with a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
Jim Bartlett's legacy is one of compassion, intelligence, and friendship. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the memories of those he touched and the world he helped shape with his talents and kindness.
