James R. Hazelett

James R. Hazelett, 64, of Elyria, died Sunday, April 23, 2006 at his residence, after a long illness.


Born in Akron, Ohio, he spent his childhood in Tallmadge, Ohio. He was an alumnus of Tallmadge High School, where he excelled in basketball and was captain of his team during his senior year, graduating in 1960. Turning down 2 college basketball scholarships, he chose to attend Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. During his 6 years there, he met Janet Beightler and they married March 20, 1965, and they had their first son. He graduated from Ohio State in 1966.


Upon graduation, Jim and his family moved to Elyria. He started his professional career as a pharmacist for Jack Knecghtes Pharmacy in Grafton and Jack McCurry at the old Abbe Road Pharmacy.


Jim was an active participant in the Lorain County Pharmaceutical Association from 1966-2004. For the year of 1969-1970, Jim served as the youngest president ever elected to that office for the LCPA.


Working in the smaller privately owned pharmacy where getting to know his customers and getting to know their families really appealed to Jim that convinced him that someday he wanted to have his own "corner drug store".


While participating in the local Pharmacy Association meetings he met Keith Rumpler, a young man and fellow pharmacist. Together, in 1971, with his partner and co-owner, they opened Southside Pharmacy on E. 29 and Grove Avenue, which for 27 years continued to serve the wonderful people of South Lorain and outlying neighborhoods. Customers came to the store from some distances like Amherst, Vermilion and Elyria because of the personal services that they got from Keith and Jim, and the team of employees who were loyal to the store.


Jim was the "Big Guy" who always took the time to make sure the customers got all of his attention and time that was needed.


Some of his employees were at the store from the beginning. Bob Marevich started working as a stock boy when he was 16, when Southside first opened, and as the years went by he began working as a pharmacy tech. Bob became a knowledgeable, trustworthy and loyal employee, working alongside Keith and Jim, becoming an integral part of keeping the entire store running smoothly those 27 years that Southside was there.


Jim was very proud of the fact that he was one of the founders of the Lorain Free Clinic and volunteered many many hours of his services for the people who so badly needed the care and treatments that it offered.


In July of 1991, Jim was one of three recipients who received special recognition by the Board of Trustees of the Free Clinic for many years of devoted service.


In 1991, Southside Pharmacy was sold to Rite Aid. Jim continued to work there until illness forced him into early retirement.


Walking his yellow lab B.J. was a favorite pastime.


Jim loved his gardening, spending hours and hours planting his perennials, pruning his plants, making beautiful paths within his flower beds. He was an avid golfer, adored his 14 grandchildren. He was also an avid painter, doing oils and watercolors.


Survivors include his wife of 41 years; Janet (nee Beightler) Hazelett, sons; Brian Hazelett of Lorain, Greg Hazelett of Elyria, daughters; Jennifer Maillie of Elyria, and Tracey Hilbert of Shaker Heights, sisters: Betty Huffman of Tallmadge, Wanda Fitzhugh of Akron, brothers; Homer Hazelett of Stow, Ben Hazelett of Tallmadge, 14 grandchildren; and his beloved dog and companion, B.J.


He was preceded in death by his parents; Auda and Mary (nee Lybrook) Hazelett; and his youngest daughter, Tricia in 1995.


Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 30, 2006 from 4 p.m. until time of memorial services at 8:00 p.m. at the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Sister Pat Adams, chaplain of New Life Hospice, will officiate.


Contributions in his memory may be made to the Lorain County Free Clinic, 3323 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055 or to New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria.