James "Jim" Hackenburg

James “Jim” Allen Hackenburg, 75, of Mifflinburg, was born in Lewistown, on November 24, 1942, to George and Anna (Gearhart) Hackenberg.  He spent an idyllic childhood in Lewistown, thanks largely to his loving parents, and at least partially to the simpler life of the 1940’s and early 1950’s.  In the late 1950’s, his family moved to RD#1 Middleburg (Port Ann), and Jim graduated from West Snyder High School in 1960.

Upon graduation from high school, Jim enlisted in the US Air Force and served for four years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1964.  He always credited his military service with providing him with patience and perseverance.

Following discharge from the Air Force, Jim enrolled at the Pennsylvania State University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Education in 1967.  In 1968, he matriculated into the Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s degree program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and completed that program in 1970.

Shortly after returning to Pennsylvania in 1970, Jim met the love of his life, the young lady who would become his life-long partner.  In 1971, he and Dorothy Blank were married.

Jim worked for over fourteen years at Suncom Industries, Inc. in Sunbury and Northumberland.  He then worked another twenty plus years for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, first with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services and then retiring in 2005 from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

He and Dorothy had the joy of raising one son, Christopher.

Jim always considered himself fortunate to have lived a relatively comfortable life with what he considered relatively little stress.  He also considered himself fortunate to have a close nuclear family, and a large extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Jessica Hackenburg; his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Peggy Hackenburg; nieces and nephews; two brothers-in-law and sister-in-law.

Family and friends are welcome to a time of visitation from noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, September 1st, at the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 308 Market St., New Berlin, where the memorial service will be conducted at 1, with Rev. Rick White, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Rd., Mifflinburg.