James W. Sackett, Sr., 81, passed away 10/4/2018 after a long illness. Jim was born in Shaker Heights, OH, lived in Cape Coral, FL and Mentor, OH. Jim attended University School and graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a dual major in Physics and Chemistry.
He was employed by B&O Railroad testing fuel for train engines and was a member of their emergency response team. He then worked in sales for Sherman Williams, with the introduction of spray can technology. He was Vice-President of Sales for Merriman-Holbrook, working with a long time friend of 71 yrs, Pat Black, until the business was sold.
From there, Jim & Carole moved to Florida and started Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding, building 44 ft Blue Water Cruising Sailboats called Brewer 44’s. After 12 years they returned to Mentor.
In the past few years he found great enjoyment in being a “Mystery Shopper”. Jim was a kind and loving father and an accomplished, avid sailboat racer. He spent a large part of his life racing on many family boats all called “Sesame”.
Starting in 1999, he never missed a race on the family T-10, “Cracker”, that he faithfully and enthusiastically raced with his children. His love of the water and the camaraderie that it brought with family and friends was truly his passion. Jim was a member of Mentor Harbor Yachting Club for 60 years and sailed 25 Mackinaw Races, 6 Newport to Bermuda races, many St. Pete to Ft.
Lauderdale races, and a few to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carole McBride Sackett, son James (Becky) Sackett, Jr., daughter Karen (Richard Spine) Sackett-Rampe, son Steven (Cynda) Sackett, step-children Cindy (Paul Stanard) Hamilton, Connie (Tod) Sackett, John (Val Gill) Sackett, grandchildren, Lee and Amanda Sackett, Drew (Kristin) Hamilton, Corinne and Bradley Sackett, John Sackett Rampe, Taylor Sackett, greatgranddaughter, Lila Hamilton, brother Joe Sackett, cousin Bob Sackett, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved Great Pyrenees dog, Sam. Preceded in death by parents, George and Cora Sackett, brothers, George (Deborah) Sackett II, and Jack (Denny) Sackett.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 3 from 3:00 to 6:00 at Mentor Harbor Yachting Club for family and friends. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Mentor Harbor Youth Sailing Association, c/o Mentor Harbor Yachting Club, 5330 Coronada Drive, OH 44060.
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