James Carrigan Hagedorn

James Carrigan Hagedorn was born January 4, 1939, in Bell, California, and died in Sacramento, California, on January 14, 2025. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jane Dallen Hagedorn, who left us unexpectedly on March 14, 2023, leaving a vast hole in the hearts of her family and in all of the lives that she touched. 

 Below is the obituary that Jim wrote for himself. For all those that knew Jim, you will recognize his passion for life, his generous nature, and his use of brevity while enumerating his accomplishments (he often reminded us that you pay per word for an obit!). 

 Trial Atty. Adventurous, athletic, generous & hard working. Plaintiff’s trial attorney for 43 years. Became a soccer player at 43 until age 76 when tore a hamstring in a tournament. Very much enjoyed. Competitive.

Multiple vacations with family to England, Germany, Costa Rica & Spain; Week long horseback rides with adult daughter to New Mexico, Costa Rica & Belize. Trip of a lifetime to Galapagos Islands with son and grandsons.

2-year Academic scholarship to St. Augustine H.S. (San Diego). Student Body President of Mission Bay H.S. (Pacific Beach, CA); Pacific Beach P.T.A. Student of the Year 1956; Spear Fishing world record holder; Bell Captain (4 summers) at Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone Park, WY.

Attended U.C.L.A. & San Diego State, graduated from U.C. Berkeley (Accounting) in 1960; U.C. Berkeley Boxer of the year 1959; J.D. U.C. Hastings College of Law 1963; President of Sacramento Federal Bar Assoc., resident of California State Bar Litigation Section and U.C. Hastings College of Law Alumni Association.

Sacramento Hastings Alumni of the year; Member U.C. Berkeley Alumni Board; Annual lecturer for Continuing Education of the Bar for 7 yrs; Multiple (7) 100-mile hikes between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite (PCT); 500-mile bike ride from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe area & return; Treasurer of the Sacramento Adult Soccer League.

Capt. US Army; stationed in Ky; Korea; Pentagon; Va; & Vietnam 1964-67;

Generous, smart, fearless, observant, knowledgeable, opinionated (usually correct) & optimistic about life. A seeker of information & gatherer of multiple facts and some knowledge. Engaged to Jane Dallen 3 weeks after first meeting in Va. Married to wonderful Jane for 56 years. 

Jim says goodbye to his wife, friends & acquaintances; Dad says goodbye to handsome and intelligent kids; Babalu says goodbye to excellent grandkids. 

Survived by children James A. (Anissa) of Walnut Creek, and Jennifer K. Mikacich (Jared L.) of Sacramento; Grandchildren: Matthew, Julia and John Charles Hagedorn; Jared and Kevan Mikacich and sister Julie Lader (Beaverton, Or.)

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Population Connection (Wash.D.C.), Environmental Defense Fund of Sacramento or Sacramento Tree Foundation.

Per his request, no memorial will be held.

 Jim had a fulfilling life and will be dearly missed. The family would like to say a special thank you to Jalena Villalobos who was a wonderful caregiver for Jim these past years, and to the amazing staff and caregivers at Mercy McMahon Terrace. In remembrance of Jim, please contribute to one of the causes above.

Please think of Jim when you raise a glass of Pinot Noir, when you are always right, when you won’t pay extra for brand name crackers but will gladly pick up the dinner check for your family and friends (fondly referred to as Zircon Jim) and say yes to any fancy new pair of soccer shoes for a grandchild. We love you Dad and Babalu and hope you are once again driving your red corvette to a pickup soccer game. As you always said to your children and grandchildren…“You are the best!” To which we would reply…”YOU are the best!”