OBITUARY: James Ralph “Jim” Hacker

James Ralph “Jim” Hacker passed away February 16, 2021 at the age of 80 in his hometown of Coldwater, Michigan.  He had been in declining health for several years.

A private memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, February 26, 2021 with Pastor Don Letson of First Baptist Church of Brighton, IL officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the Coldwater American Legion Post #52. The funeral will be webcast at 11:00 a.m. on the Dutcher Funeral Home website on Jim’s page. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service to begin at 7:00 p.m.

Jim was born to Ralph and Edith (Crowle) Hacker on August 24, 1940, in Coldwater.  After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of seventeen and proudly served for four years.  After returning home, he began his thirty-year career as a truck driver.  After his retirement, he and his wife, Patricia, lived in Coldwater and in Florida, and enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their motorhome.

Jim was a life member of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons. Jim had many interests and hobbies throughout his life.  He earned a private pilot’s license and enjoyed attending air shows and fly-ins.  He was a fan and collector of classic automobiles and loved to attend car shows.  Jim had been involved for many years with the annual Coldwater Car Show and Swap Meet, and volunteered in many capacities including being the Co-Chairman for two years.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, golf, and was a member of a recreational bowling league for several years.  Over the years, he kept many bleacher seats warm as he attended and supported the numerous activities of his children and grandchildren.

The often-used phrase “he never met a stranger” definitely applied to Jim.  He seemed to run into people he knew wherever he went, and he always made time to stop and chat for a good while.  He had many friends and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim was a member of the First Church of Christ in Coldwater and served for many years on its board and as chairman.  Around Valentine’s Day in 2013, after 35 years of marriage to his wife Patricia, they renewed their wedding vows in church.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Patricia; daughters Cynthia (Brian) Joest of Kendallville, IN; Catherine (Paul) Neuland of Coldwater, MI; Kimberly (Pastor Don) Letson of Brighton, IL; Kristina (Josh) Clark of Horton, MI; step-son Col. James (Leslie) Love of San Antonio, TX; step-daughter Marianne Love of Richland, MI; brother Tom (Cheryl) Hacker of Auburn, IN; grandchildren: Nick Adams, Natalie Adams, Brandon Joest, Jackson Joest, Lindsey Adams, Sean Letson, Rachael Davis, Jocelyn Sammons, Derek Sammons, Jon Sammons, Nate Love, Jake Love, Reagan Tummons, Allison Tummons, Devon Tummons, Sabrina Tummons, Gabe Tummons; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judith Offer.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice. www.dutcherfh.com