James Kevin Hassett
FORT MOHAVE – James Kevin Hassett, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Mohave, AZ on May 20, 2018, following a courageous struggle with cancer. He was born on October 28, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri to parents Chandler and Mary Margaret Hassett. His family moved from Kansas City to Phoenix, where he grew up. He attended Most Holy Trinity and Brophy Prep.
Kevin’s first introduction to the funeral industry was growing up in his family’s funeral home, Camelback Sunset Chapel in Phoenix and Floral Lakes Cemetery. He continued growing his knowledge by getting his Mortuary Science Degree in Los Angeles, and becoming a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Hassett decided to branch out on his own in 1984 when he purchased Desert Lawn Memorial Gardens in Mohave Valley from the original owners. He had a vision for serving families in need by providing all funeral, cremation and burial needs at one convenient location. He fulfilled this vision when he transformed several acres of desert into a beautiful and peaceful oasis with a panoramic view of the Mohave Valley. He made an impact on the community and after a lifetime of serving families, he retired in 2015 and his son is now continuing the family tradition.
Kevin loved celebrating every birthday in style alongside his family and friends. Most recently, he celebrated his 70th birthday at his favorite place in Laguna Beach. He enjoyed playing golf and especially appreciated the camaraderie of his best friends, otherwise known as the “Friday Afternoon Golf Club.”
Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Chandler and Mary Margaret Hassett, and brothers: Chandler Jerome “Jerry” Hassett, Patrick Hassett, and Timothy Hassett.
Hassett is survived by his wife, Julie (Markgraf), whom he met at the soda fountain at Markgraf Pharmacy at Central and Camelback, a popular Phoenix meeting place (now the location of Shake Shack). He finally convinced her to marry him 15 years later, when she gave in to his boyish charm. He is also survived by a son John (Whitney) Hassett of Bullhead City, AZ, daughter Elizabeth (Jim) Davis of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren, two sisters Terry (Robert) Fisher of Kansas City, MO, and Maggie Hassett of Phoenix, AZ; brother Michael (Jill) Hassett of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Patty Hassett of Phoenix, AZ, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix, AZ officiated by Fr. Phil Postell, S.J. Entombment will take place the following day at Desert Lawn Memorial Gardens in Mohave Valley, AZ.
Arrangements under the care of Desert Lawn Funeral Home in Mohave Valley, Arizona.