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James Hackler Obituary
He was born in Marion, Virginia, a son of the late James F. and Marie Richardson Hackler. His wife, Josephine Bridger Hackler; and a brother, Lewis Hackler predeceased him.
General Hackler grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, attended the University of North Carolina, and graduated from West Point Military Academy in the class of 1943. After several months of combat training, he was assigned as a fighter pilot to the European Theater of Operations, where he served as pilot, squadron commander and group operations officer in England, France and Germany during and after World War II.
In September 1956, General Hackler was assigned to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base where he served as Director of Operations for the 354th Fighter Wing. He was a ''born to fly'' pilot, starting at age 15, accumulating some 6000 flying hours in 54 different types of aircraft. His decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 20 clusters, French Croix de Guerre and the Army and Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired April 1, 1969, after 26 years of service.
During his years in Myrtle Beach, he was involved in the motel, restaurants and golf industry. He served on several boards of directors and was named S.C. ''Man of the Decade'' by the Air Force Association. In 1998 the Pee Dee Area Council, BSA, named him ''Distinguished Citizen of the Year.''
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club, the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
Survivors include his two sons, James F. Hackler III and his wife, Lannie, of Duck Key, Fla., and their children, Paula Morris and husband, William, Jennifer McDade, Phillip Scott McDade and wife, Leslie, and Joseph B. Hackler and his wife, Vicki, of Myrtle Beach, and their children, Cena H. Jackson and husband, Matt, Julie Hackler and Josh Hackler; and his five great-grandchildren, William and Tucker Morris, and Zack, Sophie, and Brooke McDade.
Funeral services and military honors will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, November 26, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Timmerman officiating. A private family interment will follow at Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday, November 25, 2007, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home.
An online guest register is available at www.mshf.net and at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1367, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, or the Pee Dee Area Council, Boy Scouts Club of America, 702 S. Coit Street, Florence, SC 29501.
McMillan-Small Funeral Home, 449-3396, is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hackler
Robyn Bushong
December 31, 2007
Jack and I offer our deepest sympathy to the Hackler family. We had the greatest respect for Jim and Jack so enjoyed working with him for so many years through IGFR. He will be missed...
Sincerely, Jack & Robyn Bushong, Galveston, Texas
Nicky Delvaux
December 30, 2007
To the family of Jim Hackler.
First thing I did arriving in the USA is :call Jim.
I called the day of his memorial service !
Armand and I thought the world of you.
With sympathy,Nicky Delvaux
Luxembourg
John Bambery
December 30, 2007
Viv and I wish to be remembered to JIm's family. I always enjoyed his company at the IGFR golfing events and he was one of the organisations great characters. He will be sorely missed.
Fred Raschke
December 29, 2007
Kim and I send our thoughts and prayers to Jim's family during this time. Jim was a heck of a golfer, Rotarian, and most of all, friend. Personally, and on behalf of all of the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians around the world, I know Jim is playing golf on the best course God has ever made.
Stuart Kennedy
December 26, 2007
We were very saddened to hear that Jim had passed away. He was a great friend and Rotarian and will be missed greatly.
December 17, 2007
Our sincere condolences to the Hacker family. It was always a pleasure working for General Hackler. May God wrap your family in his arms during your time of need.
Deb Bailey
Arnold's Pools, Inc.
Penny Martin
December 5, 2007
Hugh and I were so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. We both enjoyed him so much when we were around him and will miss his smile and his happy attitude. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you all.
Penny and Hugh Martin
Nancy VanBuskirk
December 1, 2007
I just found out about Gen Hacklers passing and am so very sorry to hear it. I live on 79th Ave and always enjoyed seeing him. He was so friendly and nice, always honking and waving when he drove by, or stopping to chat while we would walk the dog. I got such a kick out of seeing him on the beach every summer -he claimed he was "girl-watching". He will definitely be missed around the neighborhood.
Bob and Nancy VanBuskirk
Ralph & Michele Utermark
December 1, 2007
Our prayers go out to the family.
LINDA DELLINGER
November 28, 2007
DEAR JOE AND VICKI,I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER.I LOVED TO SERVE YOUR PARENTS AT THE DUNES CLUB.THEY WERE TWO WONDERFUL PEOPLE. I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE TOGETHER NOW, DANCING IN HEAVEN.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.I WILL TRULY MISS HIM. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.WITH LOVE
Sherry Healey
November 27, 2007
Our family took a trip to Myrtle Beach for spring Break a few years ago and Bridge Cox (our friend and banker) went with us. General Hackler was such a pleasure to meet. We exchanged Christmas cards for two years after that and it was a joy to read his handwritten note. Although we were only with him for a few hours, he made such an impression on our 3 girls because of his humility and friendliness. Each night we went to dinner and so many people knew him and loved chatting with Uncle Jim. We send our sincere sympathy that he has passed away. I am sure your family has wondeful memories of stories he shared with all he knew and loved.
Page Williamson
November 27, 2007
Dear Hackler Family, I am writing to express my sadness on the passing of such a wonderful man. My husband, Curt Williamson has known your dad for many years and thought the world of him. Curt is currently serving in Afghanistan and wanted me to pass his condolences. God Bless you all!
Jay and Darla Cobbett
November 26, 2007
We wish to express our sincere and deepest sympathy to the Hackler family. He was a true gentleman &
will be missed greatly. We loved the restaurant while he had it. Jay
loved talking with him and his son
Jim at Wachesaw. Please know that
the family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jay Cobbett - Wachesaw Security
Nancy T. Seddinger
November 26, 2007
Joe and Vickie, Sorry to hear about General Hackler, I have many fond memories of him. He was always a kind gentleman. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chuck Bolt
November 26, 2007
My sincere condolence in the loss of your father. He was a dear and long-time friend of my dad, Maj Gen Jonsey Bolt (who passed away in Mar 06 there in MB), and my mom, Polly Bolt. They were all members at 1st United too. They spoke often of the wonderful friendship they enjoyed with your dad, and I was privileged to have met him when he attended my dad's funeral service. He was very kind and uplifting, as well as sharing his humorous nature and he provided me and my brothers a lot of comfort during a sad time. I know how very proud you must be of him and know his legacy will no doubt be reflected in all of his family members.
May God bless you with His comfort during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Charlie & Sara Hughes
November 26, 2007
Sara and I were so sorry to learn of Jim's death. He was an inspiration and great friend during our time in Myrtle Beach. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Shaw Dargan, III
November 26, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
August Swarat
November 26, 2007
Thank you for the Great memories and all the great things you have given us!
Donald Clement
November 26, 2007
May God Bless the family of a Great Man, General Hackler!
Gwin McKinnon
November 26, 2007
We celebrate with you the life of General Hackler on this Earth and rejoice for the one he is now living!
My Daddy is probably showing him around the place!
May God's sweet love comfort and strengthen you now and always.
Gwin (Gardner) McKinnon and family
Vickie Cooper
November 25, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
angie montgomery
November 25, 2007
So sorry for your lose. I worked at Baytree for 10 years. General Hackler was always a pleasure to be around. He was a very pleasant man and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Eunice and John Edwards
November 25, 2007
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad. He was a fine man.
Richard McCann
November 25, 2007
We were saddened to read of the death of your Father. He was quite an exceptional person and will be missed. Our prayers and sympathy are with you.
Dick and Carol McCann
Georgetown, SC
Charlotte McSwain
November 24, 2007
Our sincere sympathy on your loss of General Hackler. All of you are in our prayers, and may God be with each and all of you during these times. We will never forget you Mrs. Hackler. Charlotte and Bill McSwain
Pete Kote
November 24, 2007
I want to express my deepest sympathy of the loss to the family of a very fine gentleman,officer and fellow Daedalian.VOLABAMUS,VOLAMUS
Barbara & Gus Chagaris
November 24, 2007
We were so sad to read of the death of General Hackler. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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