James L. Hiatt

James L. Hiatt, age 72 of Evergreen Park, IL passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Beloved husband of 47 years to Kathleen Hiatt (nee O'Hara); loving father of Jennifer (Brandon) Bedalow and Matthew Hiatt; cherished grandfather of Nathan and Andrew Bedalow; dear brother of Marilyn (Craig) Prendota, Michael Little, and the late Kathy Stroup (the late Fred Lawrence); fond uncle to many nieces and nephews; and a great friend to many. Jim will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim was raised on the South Side of Chicago by his late mother, Rose Mary Hiatt. At just 17 years old, he bravely enlisted in the U.S. Army and later continued his service in the Army Reserve after being honorably discharged from active duty. During his military service, Jim was stationed in Germany and China, which suited his adventurous spirit and gave him the opportunity to explore other parts of Europe and Asia. In total, he proudly served his country for 15 years through the Army and Army Reserve.

Jim was introduced to his wife, Kathleen, by her sister at a party in 1977. A year later, he proposed, and they began building a life together as they married later that same year. As they approached their second wedding anniversary in 1980, they welcomed their first child, Jennifer, into the family. Eight years later, in 1988, Matthew completed their family as their long-awaited second child. Jim was a committed provider who worked hard for his family, taking great pride in building a stable life and creating opportunities for those he loved most.

Jim spent his professional career serving as an officer within the federal, state, and county correctional systems. While working at a prison in southern Illinois, he met his lifelong friend Brian Valentine, and over the years their two families became family to one another.

Throughout his life, Jim treasured time with family and friends and never missed an opportunity to host a barbecue or attend a gathering. He loved playing cards, wearing humorous T-shirts, and jokingly changing his sports loyalties depending on which team was having the better season. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or a cold beer, Jim had a gift for making every occasion more memorable.

In his later years, Jim faced a number of health challenges and setbacks. True to his nature, he met them with a unique blend of stubborn resilience and a determination to live life on his own terms. Even during those difficult years, he found joy in traveling, spending time with loved ones, being the proud grandfather of Nathan and Drew, and an abundance of banana splits.

A memorial visitation and service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Family and friends gathering from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Andrew J. Mc Gann Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Loving Memory of James Hiatt to The Gary Sinise Foundation, which serves veterans, first responders, and their families by providing support, resources, and programs that help them heal, thrive, and overcome challenges.

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate