James Steven Hathcock

James Steven “Rusty” Hathcock of Bartlett, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at age 79. He was a 1963 graduate of Kingsbury High School and received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through Memphis State and Trevecca Nazarene Universities, respectively.

Rusty was a beloved teacher, coach, and principal in the Memphis City School system for 33 years. His tenure included service at Treadwell High, Kingsbury Junior High, and Richland Elementary schools, among others.

Never one to sit still, he found new endeavors in retirement, initially as head of security for the campus of Bellevue Baptist Church. Through his work there, he fell in love with the mission and people of Shepherd’s Haven: a Christ-centered residential facility where men and women with special needs live in a family, home environment. He spent countless days and nights there, merging his love for Christ with his love for serving others.

Rusty was a gifted woodworker and landscape artist, building heirloom furniture pieces and frequently earning the designation of “Yard of the Month” for the City of Bartlett. His grandkids loved feeding koi in the 40’ stone waterfall he built in his backyard. He was equally adept in the kitchen, baking cakes and pies and smoking barbecue to perfection (not to mention his own signature sauce to go with it).

Rusty is survived by his wife, Janet “Jan” Hathcock of 27 years; ; his brother, David and Cheryl Hathcock of Spring Hill; his sister-in-law, Manesha and Johnny Lindley of Arlington; his son, Dr. Richard and Stephanie Hathcock of Germantown; his daughter, Hon. Amanda and Scott Sammons of Caryville; his daughter, Christy Hathcock of Nashville; his daughter, Tracy and Jason Hale of Jackson; stepdaughters, Laurie and Tommy Reyes of Arlington, and Lisa and Dr. Keith Bates of Jackson; beloved grandchildren: Caroline Grace and Thomas Hathcock, Daniel “Toby” Hale, Austin and Hunter Reyes, and Rachel and Colin Bates; as well as dear nieces and nephews of multiple generations. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Nolan and Jeanie LaRue Catledge Hathcock; infant sister, Sheryl Lynn Hathcock; and brother, Phillip Barry “Skip” Hathcock.

Services will be at the Memphis Funeral Home in Bartlett (3700 N. Germantown Parkway) on Thursday, February 6th, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation preceding from 12:00-2:00. Interment at Salem Cemetery in Atoka (3400 Atoka Idaville Rd.) will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shepherd’s Haven Ministries (175 Shepherd’s Haven Way, Arlington, Tenn. 38002) or Bellevue Baptist Church (2000 Appling Rd., Cordova, Tenn. 38016).