James "Jim" Edward Hazer Sr. was born on Thursday Oct. 8, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri to James Hazer and Marion Hilaria (nee Stewart) Hazer and passed away Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 5 days.
They lived in South City until he was 12, then they relocated to Berkeley, Missouri. As a young man, Jim worked a variety of jobs, including construction and a stint as a silk screen printer at McDonnell Aircraft. He attended O'Fallon Tech school in St. Louis City and began working as a mechanic at the GMC Truck Center and then at Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, from which he retired in 2004. He was a proud member of IAM Local 777.
In 1963, he enlisted in the Missouri National Guard.
He married Jeanette "Jane" Eileen Nenninger in 1969.
Jim found that life went down well with a beer, and enjoyed sharing one with friends and family whenever possible. He built a one-room hunting retreat ground-up in 1994, and it was his and Jane's escape from city life until they relocated to Steelville in 2006.
He enjoyed hunting deer, elk and coyote. He competed in marksmanship and was a longtime member of both the National Rifle Association and the St. Louis Archery Club. He taught multiple generations of children to fish, even when those children were squeamish about handling nightcrawlers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Hazer and Marion (nee Stewart) Hazer; and brother, Donald Hazer.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette (nee Nenninger) Hazer of Steelville, Missouri; daughters, Christine Fine (Robert) of O'Fallon, Missouri and Donna Gummersheimer (Daniel) of St. Charles, Missouri; sons, James Hazer Jr. of Steelville, Missouri and William Hazer (Jennifer) of Fenton, Missouri; brother, Charles Hazer (Vicki) of St. Paul, Missouri; five grandchildren; good friends, Lynn Blankmann and David Jaycox; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Celebration of Life was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Dr. Rick Haggett officiating.
Following Jim's wishes the family chose cremation as his final disposition.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
