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Jim Hassert (1960-2023)

James A. "Jim" Hassert passed away earlier this year after a long illness that shortened a lifetime of good nature and deep human connection.

Son of Bill and Helen Hassert, late of Ashburn, and one of four brothers, Jim grew up in Clifton, New Jersey and attended Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. At BW he discovered his remarkable talent for stage management of theater productions. Upon graduation, he was a professional stage manager in Cleveland. Stage management requires an understanding of the story being told, and technical knowledge of the lights, effects, and operations of the theater. Most important, it requires leadership ability to be able to get highly stressed performers and backstage teams to work together, bring out their best night after night, and provide a great experience for the audience. Jim excelled at this.

In Cleveland, he married his first wife and they had two boys, Chris and Spencer Hassert. Their children include Hunter, Amelia, Eleanore, and Skylar.

Jim moved to Washington DC for a job with a tech-oriented trade association, ultimately leading to a data analytics role with the then-booming America Online. Jim had a long and successful run at AOL before leaving for other analytics gigs, most recently at Celerity.

An avid sports fan, Jim had a particular love for the great game of baseball and his beloved Washington Nationals. He was an original season ticket holder, supporting the team in the games at RFK and Nationals Park. He could be seen in his Nationals jacket and one of his many Nationals hats along with a scorebook in which he kept score with a sense of artistry and pride. He was an excellent companion at the ballpark with a deep knowledge of the game and its history, of the team and how it was doing, and had keen insight into baseball strategy and tactics.

Jim married Carolyn Miller in 1999 and they moved to Leesburg. Carolyn was the great love of his life, and as partners they maintained a huge circle of friends who always felt deeply connected to the good nature and good humor that defined them. He was an early adopter of every technology, always looking forward, but always connected to his past, his roots, and his boys.

Jim lived like a stage manager, leading from behind, supporting the cast and crew, ensuring a positive audience experience, using knowledge, humor, and kindness to help others be their best.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE., Leesburg, VA  20176 where a memorial service will begin at 5:00 pm.