Obituary of James Cornell Hazen

It is with great sadness that the family of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) James Cornell (Jim) Hazen, 77, of Rowlett, Texas, passed away peacefully on [November 12, 2020 in Dallas, Texas, at Faith Presbyterian Hospice after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. A private service with military honors was held at the National Cemetery in Dallas, TX, November 24, 2020. Jim was born in Waynesville, MO, to Ralph and Vivian Hazen on November 11, 1943. He graduated from Newburg High School in 1961. He was active in the ROTC program and ultimately was named the Cadet Corps Commander for 1965-1966. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Missouri State University in 1966 followed by a Master of Science in Education Degree from the University of Missouri in 1967, which included a lifetime teaching certificate and a lifetime principal’s certificate. He also attended the U.S Army Ordinance Center and School, the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, as well as the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS, to mention a few. After graduating from the University, Jim began his 24 years as an Officer in the United States Army. Throughout his years in the Infantry, Ordnance, and finally Military Intelligence, he was stationed in several states as well as Mexico and Panama where he served as a Foreign Area Officer in Mexico, Central America, and South America. He ended his Army career after retirement as an Instructor for JROTC at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, TX. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed basketball, fishing, playing poker, reading, and watching the TV series Gunsmoke. Jim received several medals, badges, and commendations while serving in the Army besides the two Honorable Discharges: Bronze Star Medal/Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)//Joint Service Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)//Army Commendation Medal//Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster//Meritorious Unit Commendation//National Defense Service Medal//Vietnam Service Medal w/”4” Bronze Service Stars//Army Service Ribbon//Overseas Service Ribbon//Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal //Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm//Republic of Vietnam Ordnance Badge//Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) LTC James C. Hazen is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret E. Hazen of Rowlett, TX, his only child, Amy Hazen Smith and her husband Lance A. Smith as well as his four grandchildren Harrison (20), Jackson (18) Abigail (17), and Madeline (15) of Cypress, TX. In addition, he was survived by his brother David Ralph Hazen and his wife Jan of Lee’s Summit, MO and another brother, Samuel Edwin Hazen and wife Shahin of Granbury, TX, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his baby brother Thomas. The family wishes to extend their heart felt gratitude to the staff at Baylor Scott & White Supportive Team and the Palliative Care Team, as well as the Faith Presbyterian Hospice T. Boone Pickens Center for their love and care during his last days.