James Hackl passed away peacefully on June 23rd at Cornerstone Hospice in the Villages, Florida at the age of 83. He was surrounded by his immediate family.
James was born October 20th, 1942 in Milwaukee to Frank and Harriet Hackl. Since his early youth, Jim was passionate about cars, engines, and mechanics. His passion led him to the University of Waterloo where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. James became an innovator in the power sports industry. His expertise created an industry that changed how cylinders were manufactured in Powersports. After decades in manufacturing management, James founded Millennium Technologies, LLC in 1997 with his son, Christopher Hackl. Today, Millennium Technologies is the leading manufacturer of power sports plating in the world.
Alongside his business accomplishments, James led a devoted family life. When James was 14, his family relocated to Canada. It was there in 1963 that he met the love of his life, Marnie. The two wed in October of 1966 and had two children, Christopher and Marnie Anne. The family moved from Toronto to Sheboygan Falls in 1978 before settling in Plymouth in 1992. The couple recently celebrated almost 60 years of marriage. In 2012, James and Marnie retired to the Villages in Florida.
James loved all things automotive and could most often be seen driving one of the 75 cars he collected over his lifetime, most recently his Chevy SSR and Ford Mustang, with Marnie in the passenger seat. He was also an avid fisherman, taking yearly trips with his family and friends to go fishing in Canada. He also spent his free time trap shooting with many of his close friends.
James is survived by his wife, Marnie, son Christopher (Sarah), and daughter Marnie Anne (Gabe). He is further survived by his grandchildren Adrian (Andrea), Anastasia (Drew), and Jake, as well as his great granddaughter, Rain. Furthermore, he is survived by his brother Frank (Dee), sister Jean, sister-in-law Debra, brother-in-law Bruce (Cindy) and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Harriet, and Brother in Laws James Schmidt and Bill Pierce.
Funeral services will be provided by Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth, WI. A visitation will be held July, 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Suchon Funeral Home. Additional visitation and mass will be held July 24, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church at 10am. With mass starting promptly at 11am.
In lieu of flowers or gifts please direct donations to the Dementia Society of America