Known to his closest friends as Jimmy, Jim Ha- gen passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2021, at the age of 71. After years of giving his heart to others, it was his heart that failed him.

Jim’s love language was food and he enjoyed nothing more than sharing a meal with friends and acquaintances – Usually smoked meats, something cooked on the grill and the famous Hagen family cobbler, along with good conversation. Jim took the phrase “go big or go home” very seriously and his guests often left with more food than they knew what to do with.

Growing up on Mercer Island, Jim was an avid tennis player and KingCo champion during his high school years. He loved sports of all kinds. Jim was very sociable and made all kinds of new friends in addition to his many friendships from high school on Mercer Island. One of his most endearing traits is that Jim always seemed to “know a guy (or gal)” for any situation because from early on, he had an ability to connect with people socially.

After graduating from the University of Washington, Jim spent time as a high school football official, a merchant marine working on tugboats, a production manager at Boeing and Weyerhauser, and ultimately working for himself for 35 years as an outside salesman for companies specializing in manufacturing parts for airplanes.

Beyond food, friends, and airplanes, Jim enjoyed good classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s, often listening to it while out on his daily walk. He loved boating and fishing and would go on fishing trips to Canada nearly every year. He also took great pride in his ability to grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables, labeling himself a “melon connoisseur”.

In his final days, Jim reflected on his life by remembering all the amazing friends he had and the many great experiences and memories he was able to take with him, particularly the love for his son, Jeremy. Jim spent many years attending Jeremy’s sporting events, going on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” road trips, cooking “Hagels” in the morning, and calling daily to check in.

Jim is survived by Jeremy and Jeremy’s wife Stevie, of Mercer Island, and his sister Dale from Dabob Bay on the Olympic Peninsula. His brother, Tom, preceded him in death in August, 2020.

A memorial service will be held for Jim on August 7th. As Jim was one who appreciated the combination of either shorts or sweats along with a t-shirt, the dress code will be casual.