TORRINGTON – Funeral services for James L. “Jay” Hackleman, 86, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2019, at Eastgate Baptist Church with Pastor Don Mathis officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.
Jay died July 9, 2019, at Goshen Healthcare Community. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until noon at the funeral home and the casket will be open prior to the service at the church.
Jay was born January 14, 1933 in Torrington, the son of Shelby and Madge (Hubert) Hackleman. He grew up and received his education in Torrington, graduating from Torrington High School.
He farmed and ran the Culligan water business for many years, before starting custodial work, first for the Eastern Wyoming College for 12 years, and then for Southeast Schools in Yoder, where he worked part of that time for his step-son Bryan Foster.
He married Maxine Hess Foster on September 26, 1981, after taking guitar lessons from her.
“I have never known another person as loved by so many people as Jay Hackleman,” his wife said.
Jay enjoyed square dancing, gardening, woodworking, jigsaw puzzles and helping family and friends.
As a young man, he was a member of the First Baptist Church. He later became a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the last few years attended Lighthouse Ministries. He was also a member of the Square Dance club in Mitchell, Neb.
Jay is survived by his wife, Maxine of Torrington; a step-son, Bryan (Dona) Foster of Torrington; two step-daughters, Claudia (John) MacPhee of Louisa, Virginia and Veda (Richard) Bafford of Statesville, N.C.; three sisters, Betty Anderson of Torrington, Julie Prouty of Riverview, Florida and Peggy Crowley of Mesa, Arizona; eight grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and three sisters.
Arrangements are by the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com
