James G. Hackett

James Glenn Hackett passed away comfortably at home surrounded by loved ones on May 16th 2022 after struggling with ALS.

James was born in Estherville Iowa on August 24, 1947. He was adopted by Glenn Henry and Edna Luella Hackett. While growing up in Estherville Iowa he was enthralled by science, chemistry, and physics. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he continued his studies in the sciences ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He then attended the Carver College of Medicine located at the University of Iowa where he obtained his medical degree in 1974. He then continued his training in Iowa City with a surgical internship followed by an orthopedic surgery residency. In 1978 he and his family moved to Williamson West Virginia and started to practice orthopedic surgery in a small Kentucky Hospital. After less than a year, he moved to Southeastern Wisconsin where he would practice orthopedic surgery with an emphasis on spine. He had hospital privileges at Community Memorial in Menominee Falls, as well as Hartford General hospital. He retired from 36 years of medical practice in 2014.

The cornerstone of James’ life was his faith in Jesus. He surrounded himself his entire adult life with followers and disciples of Jesus, many of whom became his close personal friends, colleagues, and loved ones. He was certainly a witness to God's presence in the world to anyone who knew him. He was kind without pity, loving without judgment, and compassionate to all. One of the greatest gifts he gave to his family was being a role model of how to walk faithfully with the Lord. He constantly shared his treasures, his talents, and time with both the Catholic parishes he attended but also with many other organizations committed helping others. He and many of his friends help to start, develop, and ensure success of the Young Life chapter in the Lake Country area. This legacy ensures that his efforts on earth will continue to bring youth to Christ for generations.

James had a passion for nature and science. His inquisitive mind and curiosity led to many hobbies over his lifetime, however his life-long passion was for astronomy. He built his own telescope and sundials and maintained an observatory at his home to explore the universe and share his passion with his family, friends, neighbors, and visitors. He was particularly enamored with solar astronomy, traveling to places as far as Luxor Egypt, the deserts of Niger, and the Sea of Japan to observe eclipses and transits. He also had a passion for genealogy and traveled to the Netherlands to explore his Dutch roots. He loved lake life and taking sunset pontoon rides with friends and loved ones.

He was preceded by his first wife Kathleen (née O’Brien), adoptive parents Glenn and Edna Hackett and sister Donna Farmer. James is survived by his wife Teresa and stepson Kevin, biological parents Marvin and Myrtle Tysseling, sisters Jill Golrick and Jana Jordan, his children Sunny (Sam) Kim, Benjamin (Stephanie) Hackett, Jeremiah (Angela) Hackett and Sarah (Tim) Hillios. Grandchildren Sophia, Noah and Kyle (Kim), Anna, Ella and Elijah (B. Hackett), Isaiah and Caroline (J. Hackett), Madison and Lexi (Hillios). James is further survived by loving family members and friends.

His Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joan of Arc, 120 Nashotah Rd, Nashotah WI on Saturday July 23, 2022. Visitation starts at 10:30 a.m., the mass begins at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in James’ honor to:

ALS Association
3333 N Mayfair Rd Suite 104
Wauwatosa, WI 53222

St. Joan of Arc
120 Nashotah Rd.
Nashotah, WI 53058

Young Life
151 E Capitol Dr #3
Hartland, WI 53029