James Croker Hatchett was born January 3, 1942 in Clarksville, Arkansas to Pete and Sible Hatchett. He left this life in order to enter his eternal life on November 13, 2018. He graduated from Clarksville High School where he excelled in football, track and baseball. He received his college degree from the College of the Ozarks and his Master’s degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Jim taught school for one year in Coal Hill, Arkansas, coached 14 years at Kimmons Junior High, was Assistant Principal at Kimmons for 12 years. He spent his last 14 years at Southside High School in Fort Smith as an Assistant Principal. He retired in 2004.
He met and married Ann (Needham) while they were at the College of the Ozarks. They moved to Fort Smith after accepting teaching and coaching positions. They raised four daughters and have been blessed with 10 grandchildren.
Jim loved and adored his family. His favorite pastime was watching those he loved, both daughters and grandchildren, participate in various sports. He was most notable for finding shade and wearing a wet towel around his neck. In addition, he was a big Razorback, Rebel and Cardinal fan and every other team his grandchildren played for. Jim also loved remembering his many and varied hunting, fishing, and golf experiences. He enjoyed reliving these with his family and friends. He enjoyed country music, John Wayne movies, and going to Branson.
Jim was a proud and dedicated member of Oak Cliff Baptist Church for 52 years.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, of 54 years; four daughters, Kimberlee Hailes and husband, Jimmy of Greenwood, Tiffanee Wiley and husband, Jim of Fort Smith, Hillaree Tiffee and her husband, Kevin of Fort Smith, Jamee Risley and her husband, Alan of Pocahontas, Arkansas. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Cody Hailes (Kaela), Kylee and Easton Stallings, Tanner and Ty Wiley, Andee and Toree Tiffee, Tripp, Eli, and Nate Risley. Jim leaves behind four brothers and their wives, Kenneth and Billie Anne, Bob and Nancy, Doug and Linda, Johnny and Sue; he is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chris and Lesa Moyer, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jim’s life will be celebrated at Oak Cliff Baptist Church on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Jimmie Hailes, Jim Wiley, Kevin Tiffee, Alan Risley, Chris Moyer and Cody Hailes.
Honorary pallbearers will be his ten grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72908 or Fort Smith Public Schools Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 1932, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902 in memory of James Croker Hatchett.
