The sudden death of alumnus James Wilbur Rea Hacker, '89, deeply saddens the Frost community. Hacker was a giant in South Florida's music community and a longtime music education leader at Florida International University. He passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, at 55.
"We lost a remarkable musician and an even better human being," said Rey Sanchez, associate dean for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and Professor and chair of the department of Music Media and Industry for Frost School of Music. "Jim was a man of strong faith and deep love for his family. He was a remarkable musician and an inspiring teacher, well-loved and respected by all his colleagues and students. His kindness, humility, and great sense of humor were evident to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed."
Hacker was born in Carrollton, Kentucky, on July 12, 1967, and married his wife, Jeni, on April 9, 1999. Hacker resided in Miami since 1986, establishing himself as a prominent performer and soloist. He graced the stages of renowned institutions such as the Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera, Florida Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic, Seraphic Fire, Miami Chamber Symphony, Miami Symphony, Palm Beach Symphony, Orchestra Miami, Palm Beach Pops, Miami Bach Society, and Palm Beach Opera. His commitment and passion for his craft were truly inspiring.
After completing his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Miami, Hacker continued his education by working as a teaching assistant to Gilbert Johnson for two years while pursuing a Master of Music Degree. During this period, he also served as the lead trumpet for the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of Whit Sidener, for five years.
As a studio musician, his performances included The Latin Grammy Awards, American Idol, The Dove Awards, The Orange Bowl, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, America's Got Talent, PBS, MTV, and the original Broadway cast recording of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
As a performer, Hacker traveled throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, performing with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Luciano Pavarotti, Timbaland, Madonna, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Pharrell Williams, The Neptunes, Diddy, Prince, Busta Rhymes, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Ricardo Montaner, Doc Severinson, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, Barry Manilow, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Bee Gees, Bruce Hornsby, The O’Jays, Andrea Bocelli, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Flo-Rida, Wyclef Jean, Joan Rivers, Kenny Rogers, Ray Charles, Anthony Newley, Shirley Bassey, Henry Mancini, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, The Russian National Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Paul Anka, Lionel Hampton, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Bob Mintzer, Peter Allen, Lucy Arnez, The Moody Blues, Gloria Estefan, Chayanne, Raul DiBlasio, Willie Chirino, Celia Cruz, Paquito D’Rivera, Peobo Brison, James Ingram, Roberta Flack, Sheila E., Sheena Easton, Liza Minelli, Connie Francis, Nancy Reed, Vicki Carr, Clarence Clemons, Lalo Schifrin, Quincy Jones, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Tito Puente, Ed Calle, The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Luis Enrique, Pimpinela, Jon Faddis, Vic Damone, Regis Philbin, Michel Camilo, Ignacio Berroa, Arturo Sandoval, Nestor Torres, James Taylor, Barry White, Keely Smith, Jim McNeely, John Fedchock, Ira Sullivan, Maria Schneider, Jaci Valesquez, Deana Martin, Cleo Laine, John Dankworth, Maureen McGovern, Jack Jones, Lena Horne, Meatloaf, The Spinners, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Stephen Marley, El Puma, Inner Circle, KC and the Sunshine Band, Baha Men, Thalia, Cristian Castro, Debbie Boone, Patti Austin, Gladys Knight, Taylor Hicks, Perry Como, Little Richard, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Donna Summer, Kevin Spacey, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Dave Samuels, Tommy Mottola, Darius Rucker, The Radio City Rockettes, Richie Suppa, Victor Manuelle, Romes Santos, Alejandro Sanz, Leslie Grace, Maluma, Malu and Melendi, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Julieta Venegas, Rita Moreno, Myriam Hernandez, Alvaro Torres, Fonseca, Alejandra Guzman, Beto Cuevas, Rudy Perez, and many more.
Before his tenure at Florida International University's Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts in 1996, he taught at Miami Dade College on the Wolfson Campus for five years. Additionally, he held trumpet positions with the Boca Symphonia and Atlantic Classical Orchestra and was a founding member of the Miami Brass Consort and the Florida Trumpet Quartet.
Hacker was well-known for being kind-hearted within and beyond the classroom walls. His teaching demonstrated genuine care and concern, and his personal life was characterized by his devotion to his family and religious beliefs.
On May 6, there was a celebration of life for Jim Hacker at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. To view the service, click here: https://christjourney.org/jimhacker/
