JERALD MORRIS HACKETT
Jerry Hackett, 76 of Lodi, CA went home to be with the Lord, on January 13, 2018, after a long and courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.
Jerry was born on November 27, 1941 to Morris and Arlene Hackett, in Long Beach California. He was a resident of Southern California, until moving to Lodi in 1971. Prior to moving, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from Biola College, and a Master of Religious Education from Talbot Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a minister in 1972. He went on to study at other universities throughout the years, as higher education was of great importance to him. In addition to serving as a youth minister at Bethel Baptist Church in Anaheim, and First Baptist Church of Lodi, he was a Camp Director at Mt. Gilead Christian Camp and Whispering Pines, camps focused on helping inner city and underprivileged children.
Upon his return to Lodi, Jerry founded and was executive director of Nautico Ministries Inc. for nearly 40 years. Jerry’s passions included serving others through counseling, chemical dependency recovery programs, Mexico Mission trips, including co-founding Emmanuel Orphanage in Porvenir. His outreach to others, was immeasurable.
As a child, Jerry enjoyed time with family and playing softball. He carried the love for family and softball into his later years, and was quoted as “being one of the best softball pitchers” around. He was a premier competitive softball pitcher, beating some of the nations top ranked teams in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Following his favorite sports teams, and watching games with his family was one of his favorite things to do. He was also an avid reader. His love for travel took him to many places, including Europe, India, Greece, many different states in the U.S., Mexico, and his most favorite, Hawaii. He took his family several times to Hawaii, and later lived there for a few years. Jerry was very generous in giving to others of his time, gifts, knowledge, and love, finding much joy in doing so. Family was his most loved treasure.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Cammie Plath (Husband, Steve) and Kim Sauseda (Husband, Craig).
He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Aaron; Nathan; Claire; Kendall; Ava and Mateo. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he took great delight in finding pieces of himself in each of them. Attending their sports games; family celebrations and traveling together, were some of his favorite pastimes.
Jerry met Shirley Mims as a teen and they were married in 1965. Jerry and Shirley were married for 28 years, and she was the love of his life. Shirley remained constantly by his side until the very end, and was of great comfort to him.
Other close family surviving are his two brothers, Jim Hackett and John Hackett; sister, Janet Young; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry will also be greatly missed by countless friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Arlene Hackett; sister Dee Dee Fahsel; nephew Dennis Fahsel, as well as Dennis’s two sons, Jason and Tim: and his brother in law and dear friend, Dan Brown.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vineyard Chapel, located at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 Beckman Rd., Lodi, CA 95240. Reception to immediately follow in Crete Hall, located at Hutchins Street Square, 125 Hutchins St., Lodi.
In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up to honor Jerry and to give back to others, as he always wanted.
Contributions may be made to: Jerry Hackett (Account # 3964015162) Umpqua Bank
Located at 89 Lakewood Mall, Lodi, CA or any Umpqua Bank using the account number. Contribution monies will be used in Jerry’s name to provide college scholarships to deserving students in the community, as well as to CUREPSP, in hopes to provide more research for this rare disease. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cherokeememorial.com
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.