James E. Hasselbacher

James “Jim” E. Hasselbacher, 85, died at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday March 19, 2026 at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.

He was born December 20, 1940, the son of George and Helga (Carlson) Hasselbacher at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg. He married Brenda Mae Burwell January 12, 1974 in Wyoming Illinois. There were married for over 41 years when she preceded him in death on June 11, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father; one granddaughter Ashley Dawn Hasselbacher, four-year-old daughter of Jeffery and Carrie (Redding) Hasselbacher. Ashley died at Children's Hospital in Charlston, SC; two brothers Charles Hasselbacher and George Hasselbacher, and two sisters Helen (Hasselbacher) Sandberg and Sarah (Hasselbacher) Mabry.

He is survived by his children, William (Georgia) Hasselbacher of Hephzibah, Georgia, Jeffery (Renee Welch} Hasselbacher of Hutchinson, Minnesota, Shelley Hasselbacher of Columbia, South Carolina, and James R. (Theresia) Hasselbacher of Lexington, South Carolina; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Jim attended Galesburg High School and received his GED in the Navy. He joined the

U.S. Navy in December 1957. He served 4 years of active duty. He was a Petty Officer second class sonarman serving aboard U.S.S. Carpenter D.D.E. 825 home ported in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1961.

Jim graduated from Carl Sandburg College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. He worked at the Rock Island Millwork in Rock Island, Illinois, Eagle Foods in Milan, Illinois, Brown Specialty in Galesburg and the Galesburg Police Department for 23 years where he retired as Lieutenant of Police. Jim taught Police Community Relations at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. He belonged to the Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Illinois Police Association, Dew Dusters Golf League, and the Elks Club. Jim enjoyed vacations with his beloved wife Brenda, playing golf, poker (Texas Hold ‘em), fishing, shooting skeet and trap, and hunting.

Cremation Rites will be accorded. No services are planned per his wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials can be made to the charity of Donor's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.