James Hackenberg

James T. Hackenberg, age 106, a member of the Greatest Generation, died peacefully at Bronson Commons on April 14, 2025. James was born on February 19, 1919, to James Jefferies Hackenberg, and Emily Etta (Littlewood) Hackenberg in Hopkins, Michigan. His youth was spent in Allegan, Michigan where Jim played baseball, track and basketball for Allegan High School. Jim served in the Army for 4 ½ years from January 1941 to August 1946 where he was in the Third Army, Field Artillery, Fifth Division during World War II. After the war, he met his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Caroline Groggel, who proceeded him in death in 1998. Together they raised four children. Jim exemplified what a loving, caring husband and father did to provide for his family. He worked for 32 years in the Printing Department for The Upjohn Company during the day, while also working in the evening for Miller Printing. After his retirement from Upjohn in 1980, Jim worked another 12 years for the Bank of America. Dedication, commitment, and responsibility were his trademark. Jim enjoyed bowling, golf, and Detroit sports teams. He is also well known for his wonderful sense of humor. He kept a file of jokes that he would tell, and everyone enjoyed his warm humor. Maybe it was because he would laugh at his own jokes as much as the person he told it to. Jim was also a devout Christian. He and his wife, Dorothy, for many years published the weekly church bulletins for Zion Lutheran Church. Dorothy would type up the bulletin on a special printing plate, and Jim would print the copies each week for many years. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, son, Gary, and son-in-law, Patrick Smith. He is survived by his son James (Yvonne) Hackenberg of Kalamazoo, daughter Barbara (David) Tate of Mattawan, son Thomas Hackenberg, Orlando, Florida, and daughter-in-law, Laura Hackenberg, Delton. In addition, surviving family members are his grandchildren Matthew (Lisa) Smith, Lindsey (Michael) DeGraaf, Amy (Kevin) Gratwick, and Kristy (Rob) Lingerfelt, along with eight Great Grandchildren. The family is very grateful to the wonderful staff at Bronson Commons, and the Hospice care provided by Centrica Care Navigators. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Bronson Commons or Centrica Care Navigators in Jim's name, or the charity of your choice. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on June 20th, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., with a family burial service in the afternoon with military honors. Please share memories of Jim with his family at

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