James (Jim) Gilbert Hazel, Jr.

James Gilbert Hazel Jr., M.D, “Jim” or affectionately known as “Ace”, a beloved family man and cherished friend, passed away on November 21, 2024, surrounded by his family. Jim was born April 3, 1945, in Baltimore, MD to Alice Berryman & James Gilbert Hazel Sr. of Caruthersville, MO who preceded him in death.

Jim graduated from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and completed his Radiology residency at the University of Tennessee. He proudly enlisted as an Officer in the US Navy, ranked as Lt. Commander and upon discharge in 1974, returned to his hometown of Caruthersville where he served as Chief of Radiology at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for an impressive 44 years.

Jim was a firm believer in “family first” and was a devoted husband to Marilyn, a loving father to Dan and Amy (Kobi), and an adoring grandfather to Gavin. He is also survived by close friend and brother Mike (Glenda), nephews Michael and Matthew, and other extended family.

Jim loved his small-town life. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School and Caruthersville High School. He was a member of numerous local organizations: the Caruthersville Historical Society, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir, Pemiscot County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, American Legion Post 88 and Kiwanis Club. Jim also founded the Boogaloo Riders motorcycle group and the Contenders Golf group. Since retirement, Jim found joy in golf, walking, riding his bicycle, tending to his collection of cacti, and reminiscing about his beloved Caruthersville. He always had a plan, whether for improving his golf score or his next adventure with family.

Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, ability to befriend anyone, and his entertaining, joyful spirit. He was the kind of person who made life better simply by being himself. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, as a man who truly loved his life, his family, and the small-town community he called home.

Rest in peace, Ace. You lived every day to the fullest, were truly loved and will be deeply missed.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caruthersville, MO, with visitation and refreshments to follow in the school hall. A military interment with honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Caruthersville Public Library, Caruthersville Humane Society or any Veterans Organization.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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