James William Hasenkamp

Jim, 79, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, in San Diego, California, surrounded by the love of his wife and daughters.

Jim was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1947, to Jerry and Virginia Hasenkamp. He grew up in Denver with his brother Jerry II and sister Sheila. His Catholic education began at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School and continued at Regis Jesuit High School. He attended the University of San Francisco, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and met Janet, the love of his life. They married in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1970 and shared 56 years of marriage. Jim went on to earn a master's degree in correctional counseling from Southern Illinois University.

Jim began his professional career as a counselor with the Illinois Department of Corrections, eventually serving as an assistant warden. In 1976, Jim and Janet moved to Pendleton, Oregon, where Janet's family lived. They would spend the next 41 years raising their daughters, Ellie and Cecilia, building lifelong friendships, and being active members of the community.

After moving to Pendleton, Jim worked as business manager for Pendleton Airmotive, a regional Cessna dealership. A private pilot himself, he enjoyed taking his family on trips in his Cessna. In 1981, Jim began his own tax preparation business. He earned the Certified Financial Planner designation and later became an asset manager, operating as Landmark Tax & Financial Planning Services. Jim found great satisfaction in helping people navigate their financial decisions. He retired in 2017 after more than three decades serving clients and building relationships that often extended beyond business.

Jim was deeply committed to his faith, which guided the way he lived. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and an active member of St. Mary's Parish in Pendleton, where he volunteered in religious education for both youth and adults. He lived a life of service and giving to those in need. One of his most meaningful commitments was to the Pendleton Pregnancy Care Center, where he served for more than 25 years as treasurer and board chair. He was also active in the Pendleton Jaycees and served as president of the Pendleton Country Club in 1995–1996.

Jim loved his life in Eastern Oregon. He enjoyed golf, his many friendships, and any opportunity to get together and have a good time. An avid golfer, he even managed two holes-in-one. Known as "Scoots" to his golf buddies, he had a great sense of humor and was always ready for a little fun. He was intelligent, loyal, and kind-hearted. He was also someone people could count on, whether they needed advice, encouragement, or simply a good friend.

In February 2017, Jim underwent life-saving surgery in Portland, OR, to receive a mechanical heart pump (LVAD). He and Janet moved to San Diego that May to be closer to family, and he went on to enjoy nearly another decade with those he loved. His family often joked that he had nine lives, and one of his closest friends affectionately called him his "miracle man."

Jim made the most of those years in San Diego. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and rarely missed a sporting event, dance recital, or school activity. He and Janet enjoyed their daily walks, and Jim was determined to meet his step goal every day. He remained active in his faith at All Hallows Catholic Church and volunteered as an LVAD Ambassador at The Heart Clinic, sharing his experience with patients preparing for the same surgery.

Above all, Jim loved his family. He was immensely proud of his daughters and grandchildren, devoted to Janet, and grateful for the extended family who were part of his life. He will be deeply missed, but the memories made together will live on forever.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet; his daughters, Ellie Robinson and Cecilia Lee, and her husband, Darren; and his grandchildren, Jake Lee, Anthony Robinson, and Carissa Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Virginia Hasenkamp; his brother, Jerry Hasenkamp II; and his sister, Sheila Hasenkamp.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at All Hallows Catholic Church, 6602 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, California. A committal service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, California.

For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, Jim's Funeral Mass will be broadcast live online so they can watch the service from home.

To watch, visit: https://evt.live/jim-s-funeral

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sharp Memorial Hospital and the Heart Clinic for their exceptional care and kindness throughout Jim's journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant House (www.covenanthouse.org), which provides shelter and support to young people experiencing homelessness, or to a charity of your choice.