James Hartigan

A former chairman, CEO and president of United Airlines has died. James Hartigan, 95, of Barrington Illinois, died Saturday April 4 2020 of natural causes. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Hartigan started working for United in New York in 1942 as a junior passenger agent. James Hartigan enlisted in the Navy during World War II in 1943 and learned to be a pilot. Despite his youth, he served as a flight instructor in Florida. Once discharged from military service in 1945, Hartigan returned to New York and his job at United. Hartigan married his wife, Ann, in 1946. In the years that followed, their growing family moved throughout the country as Hartigan's responsibilities with United changed. He was named United's president in 1981 and CEO in 1985, serving in both roles until 1987. He then was the company's chairman until 1988. After retiring, Hartigan split his time between the Chicago area and West Palm Beach, Florida. In addition to his wife and son John, Hartigan's survivors include: a daughter, Patricia Meenan; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a brother.