James attended Woodham High School and Faulkner State Junior College. He was a veteran of the United States Army as a Specialist IV.
James was a descendant of the Creighton family, who settled the Creighton Road area after the Civil War and held reunions in Pensacola for many years. He worked for Gulf Power Company and was an adept welder and craftsman. He excelled at sports, particularly baseball and golf. He loved his grandsons Julian and Louis with total devotion, describing them as “the two halves of Grandaddy's heart.” Known for his kind and gregarious nature, he built lifelong friendships and was loved by many.
James is survived by his wife, Cynthia Carter Hatcher; his son, Jason Carter Hatcher-Levinger (Dr. Joshua Levinger); his grandsons, Julian and Louis Hatcher-Levinger, all of Rye, New York; his sister, Beth Hatcher, of Pensacola; and beloved family and friends in Rye, Pensacola, and Harold.
The Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 17th, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 33511 Scenic Highway 90e, Pensacola, Florida, 32503.
Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.