LEWISTON – Jim “NJ” Hackett, 65, of Lewiston, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, Aug. 2, from aneurism-related complications.

Jimmy was born Sept. 24, 1941, to parents Maurice (Bill) Coleman and Nellie C. Hackett of Auburn. Jim developed a strong work ethic at a very young age working on the family farm in Lewiston. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1959, and was a highly skilled heating technician living and working in the area all his life.

He loved the time he and his wife Claire spent living and renovating their farm at Deer Rips in Auburn. This place was very special to him and was where Scott, Jeff and Marc grew up and shared many memorable family gatherings together.

He was an avid outdoorsman and shared his love for the outdoors with his family.

He was an expert marksman and firearms enthusiast who loved to hunt. He always looked forward to hunting season, and was an accomplished moose and deer hunter. His hunting accomplishments included a Maine trophy deer that qualified for the “Big Buck” club, and numerous successful moose hunts. He was happiest sharing his love for Northern Maine with his family camping at Abol and spending time with his friends at “Big Black” camp. He was also a very active member of the Masonic Lodge for 50 years, particularly the Kora Temple, in Lewiston. He was always willing to help others with his strong work ethic, and by selflessly sharing his skills as a heating technician.

He was a very generous person and a true friend whose genuine nature will never be forgotten.

He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his extended family and friends whose lives he touched. We called him Jim, Jimmy, NJ, husband, son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and most importantly “friend.”

He is survived by his mother, Nellie of Auburn; wife, Claire; and five children, Kathleen Bauer of Illinois, John and wife, Sharon Hackett, of Auburn, Scott Duncan of South Carolina, Jeff and wife, Val Duncan, of California, and Marc and wife, Jessica, of Auburn. He was a proud and loving grandfather of three wonderful grandchildren, Brittany and Kellie Hackett and Lucas Duncan, all of Auburn. He is also survived by a brother, Michael Hackett of Dixfield; and a sister, Patty and her husband, Walter Mason, of Auburn.

He was predeceased by his father, Bill; and brothers, Maurice C. (Mickey) and Thomas N. Hackett.