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BORN

1950

DIED

2014

James Hackett Obituary

James Michael (Jim) Hackett passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at home in Maui on March 8, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 15, 1950 in Park Ridge, IL. Jim was a quiet rebel at heart, always looking for improved and alternate ways to make this world a little better place to experience and appreciate life. Jim was at the forefront of establishing massage therapy as a viable and alternate treatment for pain, stress, and disease. His long career as a massage therapist and teacher started back in the 1970s as co-founder and director of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. He graduated 1000's of students to a massage therapy career. After semi-retiring to Maui in the late 90's, his love of teaching massage therapy enticed Jim into buying the Maui School of Therapeutic Massage, where it operates strongly today. He was an accomplished golfer, a practical joker and enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, sunsets and relished the Jordan era Chicago Bulls as a 10 year season ticket holder. Jim is to be inducted this June into the Massage Therapist Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mercedes Hackett, sister Vivian, grandparents, and many other loved ones who joyously embrace him in heaven. He is survived by his son Michael Hackett, his dear brothers: Peter (Ruth), Daniel (Cynthia), Toby (Lolly), Christopher (Pam), Joe (Julie), Mark (Phyllis), Michael (Dori), Paul (Lauren), John (Monica), stepmother Andrea Brien Hackett (Charles, John and Mary Beth). Many loving nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial will be held at the Baha'i Temple, 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette on Saturday April 12th at 9:30 - 11:30 in the Lower Temple level. Charitable contributions in Jim's memory to the Northern Illinois Food Bank 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134 or your local St. Vincent DePaul Charity would be appreciated.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 6, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Hackett

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Jim made one of the gretest impacts in my growth and development as a therapist. He often taught in Nyc in the early 90's. I trained with him Trigger Point Therapy as well as Sports Massage. To this day 25 years after his teachings the lessons live and breathe as brilliant templates of healing. He was a gentleman who mastered his craft, was both humorous and generous with his teaching. Thank you for sharing and being in this earth. My condolences to The Hackett Family.
God Bless,

Al Garca

October 12, 2015

I studied at Jim's school in Maui and knew him to be a kind and gentle man. I am sad to learn of his passing.

Patty Balko

September 12, 2015

I am saddened at finding this site. My condolences to the Hackett family and especially his son. While we did not keep in touch I never forgot him.

Maxine

June 10, 2015

I studied with him in 1998 and his work was some of the best I ever experienced. He was a joy to learn from and work with. We did not stay in touch, but he was always in my heart as a great master...of his trade and of life. He will be missed... but his spirit, thru his work carries on! He was a light that shall ever burn bright.

Ananda Munoz

February 11, 2015

Jim Hackett and I became friends while attending both the Guild for Structural Integration auditor and practitioner classes in Kauai. Jim and I were very close, a kindred healer sharing many similar passions. Jim and I snorkeled at the Aquarium together in Maui and I felt his naturalist spirit as we dove with the sea turtles: a true gentle and noble spirit that I now honor at his passing. My last attempt connect with Jim happened in November, 2013 while in Kauai. That was the moment Jim disclosed his long fight with cancer was nearing its end. We spent many hours conversing about his business in Maui, as I almost partnered with him several times and participated in the dialog leading to its purchase. May his honor and teachings be upheld by his many students, perpetuating the legacy of a true blessing to mankind. Gerald R. Clark www.geraldclark77.com

Gerald Clark

January 18, 2015

I'm very sad to learn of Jim's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family and close friends. Jim and I studied dance together and I was around when he first started CSMT. We lost touch over the years but always remember you with great fondness. You were a mentor and role model for many massage therapists.

Gail Dee

January 9, 2015

Attending Chicago School of Massage Therapy was a profound experience in my life. So much so that I kept an eye on Maui School of MT for continuing ed classes taught by Jim...just in case I got to Hawaii one day. As I read a Massage Therapy Today article, I began looking for Jim's name as a Hall of Fame inductee because I knew it should be there. When I saw the 1950 - 2014 my heart sank...What a wonderful man in this world, and gift to the massage therapy world. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, students and all that knew him. Farewell, Jim. You will be missed.

Heidi
Proud graduate of CSMT Class 37

Heidi Paulsen

October 4, 2014

i just learned of Jims passing. To his family let me say, as a student of his many years ago he was an excellent instructor. I had deep respect for his knowledge and dedication to our profession. Im very sorry for your loss. He was a kind and caring man. sincerly Sheila Halsaver

October 3, 2014

As a student of Jim's many years ago, I can truly say he was one of the best therapists and instructors. I feel very honored to have been mentored by him. Jane

May 17, 2014

Jim , While surfing the net this morning checking if u would be in the NYC area I was blown away to see your obituary . As a recent graduate 20 years ago in a massage class with only one other male I had doubt that this was my path in life . I then took your Trigger Point and Sports certification classes . You must have sensed this because you chose to do a demo on me and it changed my outlook . I called you a couple of years ago in HI , we spoke for a few and i regret not telling you how much of a mentor you were . Although time and distance has been plenty your guidance has been felt on the countless clients i have touched . My sincere condolences to the Hackett family . Rest In Peace Teacher

Vince Mattera

May 16, 2014

Aloha...along my life's journey I have had the great pleasure of crossing paths with those individuals who truly touched my heart and soul. Jim was one of those . A year with him at MAHA here on Maui in 2002-03 was a time in my life that will sustain me with wonderful memories. Jim was THE best of the best of all the instructors. His memory will live on . Blessings my friend. With warm Aloha. Darryl

Darryl May

May 3, 2014

Rest in peace, Uncle Jim. Your kind and calm spirit will be missed.

Ian Hackett

April 27, 2014

Respect to our best NMT teacher ever on island love and respect

April 26, 2014

Jim is remembered for his kind and loving spirit and his enduring passion for bodywork, movement and the game of golf. It was a real pleasure to have watched his beautiful shots on the Emerald course.

Jane Bick

April 15, 2014

Jim,
You were "one of the ND Class of '68 Boys" and we had a laugh every minute!
I'll never forget being Teammates, our double dates and wild rides in the Ashland/Addison Florist Van!

REST IN PEACE, JIMMY!

Bill Harrington

April 10, 2014

My condolences to the Hackett family, and especially to Jim's brother Dan, my Loyola Academy good buddy. I know I met Jim at their home in Park Ridge when he was in high school, 2 years younger than Dan. It's clear he lived a full and rewarding life. May you rest in peace, Jim.

Jeff Carroll

April 9, 2014

As a longtime neighbor, I remember Jim
from the early days of CSMT...

I always admired his independent ways
and his independent thinking !

A great guy... a gentle soul...

Steve Wigand

April 8, 2014

Thank you Jim for being such a bright light in the massage world.

Barbara Vanderwater

April 8, 2014

Jim, I honor your light. You taught me how to touch others with awareness, skill and respect. I appreciate your mentoring me as a therapist, teacher, creative rebel and visionary. I hold dear many stories from teaching with you at CSMT. I light this candle in honor of your humor, passion, purpose, mission and courage. Thank you for being part of my life. Namasté Edie

Edie Stuber

April 7, 2014

Brother Jim, you will be in my heart forever. May your candle burn eternally.

Toby Hackett

April 7, 2014

Rest in peace, Jim. Jim and I were next door neighbors on Lincoln Ave in the early days of the Chgo School. I enjoyed knowing him and glad to hear he enjoyed the rest of his life. My condolences to all of his family.

Jim Faley

April 7, 2014

Shine your Light Brother Jim, All Gods Love to you!

Chris Hackett

April 6, 2014

Let your Light shine Brother Jim.All Gods Love to you!

Chris Hackett

April 6, 2014

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Memorial Events
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Apr

12

Memorial service

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Baha'i Temple in the Lower Temple level

100 Linden Ave, Wilmette , IL

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