Major James Karl Hagglund

On June 4, 2020 at 2:30 AM, Major James Karl Hägglund was Promoted to Glory. His body was vanquished, but his spirit was indomitable. Through the ravages of pancreatic cancer, his focus was on the eternal, facing pain and death with peaceful poise. He was a Messenger of Joy, telling all that God loved them, believed in them, and that his [James’] greatest desire was to see them in heaven.

James was born to Brig. Sigvard and Margaret Hägglund in Estevan, Saskatchewan, the third of four children, on December 4, 1952. As his parents were both Officers [ministers] with The Salvation Army, they were stationed across Canada throughout James’ childhood and teen years, allowing James’ the opportunity to explore Canada at a young age.

At 20, James married his childhood sweetheart and soulmate, Gwen [nee Ells], and completed his family with his two beloved daughters Lisa and Naomi-Lynn. In 1986, by the call of God, James and Gwen, with their children, entered The Salvation Army College for Officer Training and were commissioned as Officers and ordained as ministers in 1988.

For 30 years, James ministered in Corps, Non-Profit, Corrections, and Addictions and Rehabilitation Services across Canada. His focus was always the same: to show God to all through treating everyone with dignity and respect. James was compassionate and fair. He called everyone friend—and he meant it.

Of those whom he greatly loved, and who greatly loved him, James is survived by his beloved wife Gwendolyn Jean, his daughters Lisa Ann Kateri and Naomi-Lynn Marguerite, his brothers Ralph Peter [Jane Wheeler] and John Edward, and many in-laws and friends. James is pre-deceased by his sister Ellen Ann, his mother Margaret Elizabeth, and his father Adolf Sigvard.

James will be buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Due to COVID-19, there will not be a service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

On behalf of James, a special thank you is given to the staff of Abbottsford Hospital Palliative Care.