James John Hassett passed away peacefully at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, WI on 10/24/2020, with family members holding his hands. He was born in McLeansboro, IL on April 13, 1927, the first child and only son of Lula and Cyril Hassett. He spent his early days in McLeansboro, going to school, working on his grandparents’ farm and working at the local movie theater.
In 1944, he and 7 other teens joined the Navy where he spent time at Port Hueneme, CA and on the island of Guam, in preparation for an invasion of Japan. He returned home in 1946, completed high school in 1947 and studied at So. IL. University and Lake Forest College. He worked at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital in North Chicago for 41 years and it was there that he met his future wife, Jacquelyn Spika. They were married on August 22, 1953 and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. They became parents of 7 children and enjoyed many summer road trips, teaching their children about the beauty and benefits of our great country. Jim was an amazing automobile mechanic and was quick to help any friend who needed advice or aid with home projects. He tutored at Jack Benny Jr. High School, was a Cub Scout leader, provided fishing instruction for youngsters and served on the electrical committee at OLH Parish. He also spent a great deal of time with home and yard projects, and loved fishing with his friends in the northern states, Canada, Hawaii and Mexico.
He was always a true American Patriot, being a member of the American Legion, Sharvin Post #397 for over 60 years, and participating in their Drum and Bugle Corps which won several awards in national competition. In 1983 he helped his family initiate an annual 4th of July neighborhood parade, complete with commemorative floats designed by him and other neighbors. He was also blessed to be included in one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C.
He is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn; children Barbara (Mark) Levedahl; Jean (Ken) Henry; Jane (David) Yarnall; Nancy (Bob) Flary; James (Anne) Hassett; son-in-law Joe Novak; sister, Ruth Ann Smith; sister-in-law Elaine Spika; 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, James Michael; daughter, Linda Marie Hassett-Novak; sister, Genevieve Swafford; sisters-in-law Mary O’Donnell and Mary Spika; brothers-in-law John O’Donnell, William Smith, Francis Spika, and Marvin Swafford.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, from 4 – 8 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Rd. Gurnee. The Mass will be at Our lady of Humility Church on Saturday, with interment at a later date.
In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Marsh Funeral Home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 25 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charitable organizations.
Saint Jude Medical Center – Memphis, TN
Ronald McDonald House
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
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