Hacking, Jr., James Oliver, 80, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church. He is preceded in death by his father James O. Hacking, his mother Thelma (McAllister) Parrish, and his sisters Mary Lou (Pete) Sperruzza, Patricia (Wayne) Schneider and Donna (William) Mohart. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary (Malone) Hacking; his son James and daughter-in-law Amany Hacking; his daughter Kerry and her partner David Schaeg; and, his daughter Molly and son-in-law Peter Gray. Papa leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Ismail Hacking, Yusuf Hacking, Ibrahim Hacking, Abby Gray, Kate Gray and Noor Hacking. Jim was a beloved papa, father, husband, uncle and friend.
Jim grew up in South St. Louis. After his father died, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. After his service ended, he returned to St. Louis and worked for the St. Louis Police Department. Jim obtained his GED and began working on survey crews. He eventually began working at Warren Van Praag & Company as a surveyor. While at WVP, he began to work in the marketing department and helped the company grow. In 1989, he helped form David Mason & Associates, a pre-eminent architectural and engineering firm, in the City of St. Louis, with later offices around the country. Jim worked there until he retired in 2018.
Jim loved his wife, children and grandchildren with his entire being. Jim also embodied the motto of the U.S.M.C., Semper Fidelis, always faithful. While a member of the Little Flower Parish, he served as President of the Men’s Club, sang in the guitar choir and renovated the school offices. Jim treated everyone with tremendous respect and always generously helped anyone who needed assistance. Jim was a devoted and trusted friend. Jim loved playing golf, a good game of poker and spending time with his family. He was the best role model for his family and he always did the right thing. Jim was loyal, funny, kind and lived a very full life. The night before he died, he was surrounded by those who loved him and he was excited to get to heaven. James Oliver Hacking, Jr., will be deeply, deeply missed. Godspeed, Papa.
Services: Funeral mass at Little Flower Catholic Church, 1275 Boland Place, St. Louis, MO 63117, Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Red Cross or American Heart Assn. Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Monday, December 13, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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