James Edward ‘Jim’ Hagel

1928 — 2024

James Edward “Jim” Hagel, of Sonora, born Nov. 17, 1928, passed away Jan. 28, 2024.

Jim moved from Nebraska to Corvallis, Montana, at age 7 and spent his youth working on the family farm and neighboring farms. In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving two years. He returned home and married Laverne Thomas in 1949.

His adventures in California started in 1951 when they moved from Montana to Southern California, and he learned the tool and die trade. In 1957, they moved to San Leandro, where he started Hagel Form Tool and later took a partner and became Hagel and Zeller Special Tools Inc. He owned the company for 35 years, and also started Cut Edge Inc. in Jamestown, California, before selling both and retiring in 1991.

Jim enjoyed his retirement on Lake Tulloch, and loved fishing and playing horseshoes with friends. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, bowling and sports of any kind. Jim and La Verne traveled across the United States and also took many cruises around the world. Jim was active in the Aahmes Shrine Temple, serving on the Divan and as a screening clinic chairman for many years. He was also a member of the Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Court 6 Jesters. Jim served as President of the Mother Lode Shrine Club and also played golf and enjoyed activities with the Sonora chapter of SIR.

Jim is survived by his sister, Helen Whisnand Fallbrook, of California; children Steve Hagel, and his wife, Frances, and Cindy (Hagel) George; grandchildren Jennifer Poree, Tracy Montes, Kristen Colley, Brent George, Brandon George, Brittany (George) Ashcraft and Sarah Hagel; nine great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne, in 2019; brother William Hagel in 2016; and sister Annabelle Mckay in 2023. Remembrances may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children, in care of Aahmes Temple, 170 Lindbergh Ave., Livermore, CA 94550.