On Sunday, December 31, 2023, James Hazel, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 83.

 Jim was born on March 9, 1940 in Dunfermline, Scotland to Andrew and Ann (Downie) Hazel. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 and became a naturalized citizen in 1963. He received a degree from the University of Minnesota in 1962. On June 16, 1962, he married Janice Lung and also began his 38-year career with the Dow Chemical Company from which he retired as Director of Compensation Dow Worldwide in 1999. Jim and Jan lived in Switzerland for almost 5 years and traveled the world together. They retired to Savannah at the end of 1999. Together they raised two children, Kathe (Jeff) and Mark (Michael). 

 Jim was known for his quick wit and his compassionate spirit. In retirement, he served his community by holding terms as President of The Landings Association,  Vice President of The Landings Club, and on the board of directors for Park Place Outreach. He also served as the President of Messiah Lutheran Church and President of the Savannah chapter of Rotary Club International. He was an active member of the Saint Andrews Society, mentoring programs within the Savannah school system, and Faith In Practice, a medical mission to Guatamala where he volunteered eleven times. Jim received a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease in 2011 and became an activist in the community for Parkinson's patients and movement disorders. He helped establish the Movement Disorder Support Group at St Joseph Candler Hospital. Through this, he raised awareness and funds for movement disorder patients in the Savannah area. Jim was an avid golfer and budding magician. 

 In addition to his wife and two children, Jim is survived by three grandsons, Ryan (Alesha), Kyle (Lisa) and Chad (Sarah), and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte. He is preceeded in death by his parents and brother, Tom, as well as many well-behaved and well-loved dogs: Trixie, Susie, Napoleon, Chip, and Gus.

A Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Skidaway Island.  

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Messiah Lutheran Church or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Research Foundation.