James F. Hassett

Born James F. Hassett in Toledo, Ohio on December 5, 1951 to Frank and Rolly Ann Hassett, Jim was a caring, sensitive, and kind hearted son and big brother. Even in his youth, he enjoyed mentoring his sister, Beth, and sharing his quick wit, jokes, and puns. He was truly a supportive and loyal big brother.

Jim moved to Colorado to attend CU Boulder and earn his B.A. with an emphasis in Microbiology. This laid the foundation for Jim's career in the Pharmaceutical Industry where he would distinguish himself as a leader and a mentor to many. He later earned an MBA from Regis University in Denver which he used to further his career and leadership skills.

October 1977 proved to be a pivotal time in Jim's life. That year he embarked on his pharmaceutical career at Endo Laboratories (later acquired by Dupont Pharma and eventually acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb). At the same time, he met the love of his life, Linda Kelly. Jim was smitten with Linda from the moment he met her while she was photographing a mutual friend's Little League team. He found opportunities to meet with her until he was able to formally begin dating her. After a year-long courtship they became engaged and married in Louisville, Colorado in June of 1979.

For many years Jim and Linda adventured together, indulging their passions for travel and photography in their little pop-up camper. Their four-week trip to Alaska in 1983 was a life-long privilege and a special memory. Throughout their marriage, travel and photography were always intertwined. These included a photographic journey of their multi-dimensional, much-loved daughter, Erin. Jim always enjoyed being active and outdoors. Hiking in the mountains, skiing, and river-rafting filled him with joy. His three-week adventure captaining a raft through the Grand Canyon was especially memorable. His photographs of this trip are remarkable in depth and scope and embodied his love of the West and the mountains. In retirement, Jim's love of being outdoors was embraced in his many fishing trips. Lake Estes became "his spot" several times a week.

Of all his passions, his family brought him the most joy. Marrying Linda and welcoming Erin into their lives were the two most cherished events in a life well-lived. Jim embraced his role as husband and father fully and beautifully. Linda and Erin always felt his quiet strength surround them in every crazy thing they got up to through the years. His adventurous spirit and warm sense of humor buoyed the spirits of all. He delighted in the beautiful woman he loved and in the thoughtful and accomplished daughter that they raised together.

Just as Jim had done with Linda, he introduced and nurtured Erin's love of hiking, skiing, and being in the mountains. Before he died, his joy that his daughter would be returning to the mountains in the coming year was visible, albeit bittersweet, as he knew he would be with her there in spirit only.

Helping others always brought a warm smile to Jim's face. And that extended to every area of his life. Jim Hassett was a fine person in everything he did. He was a blessing at home, in the workplace, and in the community.

In his years in Pharmaceutical Sales, Jim rose to oversee Regional and National arenas,serving as a manager of managers. His colleagues benefited from his mentoring; and he developed deep friendships with many of the people with whom he interacted professionally. Nothing gave him a greater sense of accomplishment than seeing them succeed.

Jim's thoughtfulness was evident in the way he selflessly served his community. He was generous with his time and talent. Closer to home, he served in his neighborhood HOA as a long-time board member. For many years he volunteered weekly with the Kiwanis Toys for Kids program. Additionally, he worked with AARP, helping seniors with their tax returns. On a broader scale, he became a bone marrow donor to save the life of a total stranger.

All who knew Jim feel the loss of a wonderful man with a keen and often quiet sense of humor who worked to build up others. His is a life worth celebrating, and a life that is keenly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Kelly-Hassett; their daughter Erin Kelly Hassett (married to Ken Coverdill); his sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Hassett; his sister-in-law, Alice McMurdo; and his brother-in-law, David Waalen. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rolly Hassett.

Please check back for details on a memorial planned for next Fall. Details will be shared on the this page once the arrangements have been finalized. Jim loved to be able to make people laugh in his own quiet way. Jim expressed this hope, "when you remember me, remember me with a smile."

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Hassett Family may be shared below, or under the “Recent Obituaries” tab on the Howe Mortuary website.

Donations can be made in Jim's name to The Inn Between of Longmont, whose mission is to provide stable housing and a foundation for growth for those in need; or to Samaritan's Purse, who help communities in crisis worldwide.