James Emery Hazelton III (known to family and friends as Jim or Jimmy), a man of remarkable compassion and integrity, passed away on July 14, 2024, at the age of 68. Born May 19, 1956, in Norwood, Massachusetts, Jim was a beloved son to the late Barbara (Cowhig) and James E. Hazelton II. His life was a testament to the values of honor, humility, and selfless dedication to family, friends, and community.

Jim’s journey throughout life began and ended with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to give all of himself to his interests, his profession, and to those he loved. A graduate of Boston College High School, followed by Northeastern University, James then worked as a computer engineer at two of Boston’s top firms, Eaton and Teradyne. Jim’s leadership and problem solving skills led him to managing teams globally. His favorite part of this opportunity was bringing gifts home to his family from all over the world. 

After retirement, Jim channeled his passion for the art of landscaping into a new venture, creating a landscape design company with his brother, Paul. All admired his ability to turn a simple space into a place of beauty and tranquility.

Jim was also a gifted chef, known for his love of cooking and the joy he found in hosting gatherings for friends and family. His home was always filled with the aroma of delicious food and the warmth of his hospitality. The kitchen was a place where memories were made, laughter was shared, and Jim was at the heart of it all.

A devoted family man, Jim was predeceased by his wife, Elaine C. Curley. Throughout her life, illness, and death, Jim was forever by Elaine’s side. After Elaine’s passing, Jim found friendship, companionship, and love with his partner, Ruth Christine Harrington of Marshfield. He was the best father to his daughter Julie Galbadis and her husband Christos of Milton, his son James E. Hazelton IV of Milton, and his favorite daughter Jennifer Hazelton of Milton. Known to them as “Grampy”, James was a proud grandfather to Steven Pantelis Galbadis, Tucker James Galbadis, Elaina Hazel Galbadis, and Emery Laine Hazelton. Jim’s family was the cornerstone of his life and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Jim’s legacy also lives on through his brother, Paul Hazelton and his wife Deborah of Hingham, his former daughter-in-law Alyssa Hazelton, his sister-in-law Kathy Curley, his brother-in-law Ronnie Cecchini, his brother-in-law Tony Donadio, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Claire Cecchini and Mary Ellen Willis. Each family member held a special place in his heart, and he in theirs.

Jim’s final years were spent designing and building his dream home in Costa Rica. Naming the house “Sueno de Abuelo” (Grampy’s Dream), the dream culminated in reality as Jim watched his grandchildren swimming in the pool he created for them. Jim embraced Costa Rica’s culture and its Pura Vida lifestyle, which reflected his own ethos of living life to the fullest. Jim blended into his new community seamlessly, establishing deep friendships there, a testament to his open heart and adventurous spirit.

James E. Hazelton III will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished but also for how he made people feel—valued, loved, and respected. His spirit, his dedication, and his love for life have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Bidding farewell to this extraordinary man, we take comfort in the memories, the example, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Staying true to Jim’s wishes, a wake and funeral service will not be held. In his words, “They’re terrible, sad, stuffy, and no one wants to be there”. Instead, Jim asked that friends and family gather for a Celebration of Life, insisting we all “Have a party, listen to music, have a bite to eat, and have a drink on me”.

Please join us for a Celebration of Jim’s Life on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 from 1-5pm at The Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry St., Quincy, MA. 

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will also take place in Costa Rica at a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a charity to help lower income families in Costa Rica. 

PURA VIDA