September 30, 1953 ~ April 2, 2026 (age 72)
James Dennis “Jim” Hazel, 72, of Lafayette, AL, passed away on April 2, 2026. A man of the land and a skilled craftsman, he lived a life defined by hard work, adventure, and the simple joys of a Southern afternoon on a porch swing or by the fire, sharing stories.
The Life of “Bullrider”
Born on September 30, 1953, to James Elbert Hazel and Betty Velna Hazel, Jim earned his iconic nickname, “Bullrider,” in his youth, testing his mettle on the backs of bucking bulls. He carried that same fearlessness into every chapter of his life.
A 1972 graduate of Ocoee High School, Jim was an active member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and shared his rhythm and energy as a drummer for the Ocoee Cardinals Marching Band. He spent his adult years as a true “jack-of-all-trades.” He was exceptionally gifted with his hands—whether he was building a barn from the ground up, adding a porch to a home, or tinkering on a project, he was never one to sit idle.
Before his retirement, Jim and his life partner of 11.5 years, Debra Anne Jacoby, turned their shared love for travel and livestock into a career, founding J&D Livestock. Together, they crisscrossed the United States, hauling horses coast-to-coast and enjoying the open road as a team.
Passions and Community
Jim was a man who lived off the land. He was an avid deer hunter and was just as comfortable fishing a local catfish pond as he was on the waters of the Gulf. On Saturdays and Sundays, you could find him cheering passionately for his favorite football teams, including the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators, and the NFL.
He was perhaps best known by his neighbors and friends as a master of the pit. Jim loved hosting large cookouts, where he would smoke a whole pig for hours, ensuring no one left hungry. When he wasn’t working or hunting, he enjoyed the thrill of the slot machines and frequent trips to the bright lights of Biloxi.
Family
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Elbert Hazel and Betty Velna Hazel.
He is survived by his life partner, Debra Anne Jacoby of Lafayette, AL; his son, Scott Hammon Hazel of Redondo Beach, CA; and his sister, Cathy Jean Pluchel of Maitland, FL. He is also survived by his cousin, Dorothy “Dinky” Hall, who was like a sister to him. He is also remembered by his niece, Rachael Vel Pluchel, and his great-niece, Hazel Rayne Cremen, both of Maitland, FL, along with a close-knit circle of cousins and lifelong friends who will miss his capable hands and generous spirit.
Memorial
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private memorial display and celebration of his life will be held at his home in Lafayette, where family and friends can gather to share stories and honor his memory.
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