John was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 24, 1931, to Gladys Rose Davis and Dutton Pioneer Hackett. John passed peacefully on October 7, 2022. He and his beloved wife, Greta, raised three children, Robert, Stephen, and Joan on Mercer Island. After Greta’s passing in August 1997, John moved to Point No Point, WA for several years until an illness caused him to return to Mercer Island to live with family until his death.

His childhood was spent living in Iowa. Some of his favorite activities were climbing trees, delivering newspapers on snowy mornings with his brother and labs, playing baseball, swimming, fishing, and skating. He moved to Washington state with his family during his last year of high school. He enlisted in the Navy’s ROTC program and enrolled at the University of Washington where he would earn his undergraduate and law degrees. During this time, John attended the University Presbyterian Church and met Greta whom he married shortly thereafter.

John passed the Washington State Bar exam and began his law career as an Assistant Counsel for the City of Seattle. He then moved into private practice forming Hackett, Beecher, and Hart specializing in municipal law and insurance defense. In 1967 John took on the additional role of municipal attorney for the rapidly growing city of Issaquah and served in that capacity until 1982. John continued to grow his private practice until he retired in 1993.

John and Greta enjoyed many sailing adventures with their family on their sailboat, the Orion, hiking in the Cascades, and various ski trips. After John’s retirement they had several years of exciting travels. One of their trips to Japan inspired the Greta Hackett Outdoor Sculpture Gallery on Mercer Island. Solo travel then took him to many locales in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the United States.

Throughout John’s life he was an active member in the Presbyterian churches in the University District, Mercer Island, and Rolling Bay communities. He served on the Presbytery Council, as a Stevens Minister, a Sunday School/ Vacation Bible School/Youth Leader, a deacon, a choir member, a landscaper, a Bethex architect, and maintenance man: whatever was needed – John was ready to serve.

John also enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking, beekeeping, and playing games. He made an awesome apple pie and was a huge sports fan frequently cheering on the Seahawks, Mariners, and Huskies.

John will be laid to rest next to his cherished wife, Greta, in a graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Queen Anne Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to your local Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.