1942 - 2026
Born January 28th, 1942, in Chelsea, Jim was the oldest of seven children of the late Marion H. (Doyle) Hahesy and James E. Hahesy Sr. He grew up in Revere and was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Revere and Boston College, where he graduated in 1963. He participated in ROTC at Boston College and received an Army commission, eventually attaining the rank of captain.
Jim volunteered for active duty in the Army Medical Service Corps and served at Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone. There, he developed expertise in establishing Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals, or MASH units. After leaving active duty in 1965, he continued serving in the Army Reserves for four years.
He later worked for Aetna insurance in Hartford and Mobil Oil before earning a master’s degree from Springfield College and beginning a long career in higher education. He served as director of financial aid at Central Connecticut State College, Dean of Students at Asnuntuck Community College, and later Dean of Community Services at Asnuntuck.
In 1970, Jim married Eleanor Doherty, a professional artist and public school art teacher. The couple eventually settled in Longmeadow, where they lived for 48 years and raised their daughter, Elizabeth. Jim and Eleanor were married for 54 years before her death in January 2025.
Jim was deeply involved in community and volunteer service. He was a longtime member of Rotary International and Toastmasters and held leadership positions with the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized for his service to students and the community, including receiving the President’s Award for Outstanding Service from the Chamber and a Congressional citation for his work with Asnuntuck Community College.
Known for his preparation, sincerity, quick wit, and public-speaking ability, Jim frequently served as a master of ceremonies and eulogist. After retiring in 1998, he became certified as a local ombudsman through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, advocating for nursing home residents and others who needed assistance protecting their interests. He later received the honorary title of Emeritus Dean of Students from Asnuntuck Community College.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Getchell, and her husband, Keith, and their three children, Grace, Ella, and James, all of Hopkinton. He also leaves his brothers, Paul Hahesy and his wife, Geralyn, of Duxbury; John Hahesy and his wife, Margaret, of Melrose; Stephen Hahesy and his wife, Susan, of West Brookfield; and David Hahesy and his wife, Joan, of Revere; his sister, Marian Hahesy Calhoun and her husband, Lonnie, of Farmville, Virginia; and Susan Hahesy, wife of his late brother, Robert. He also leaves 19 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 10th, from 3 to 6 PM at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, located at 57 Hayden Rowe Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, November 13th at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery on Mayhew Street in Hopkinton.
Flowers are gratefully accepted. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
