James Eddy Hatch

James Eddy Hatch, 79, of Terre Haute, IN, died peacefully at his home on Friday, October 9, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 9, 1936, in Sandwich, IL, to Merle Wesley and Ann Eddy Hatch. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judith; three children, Alan (Liz) of Albuquerque, NM, Jennifer of Fishers, IN, and Andy (Cilicia) of Portland, OR; and two grandsons Jonathan David Eddy Hatch and Lucas James Hatch.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Ypsilanti, MI, and received a B.A. in Film Production from University of Southern California in Los Angeles, as well as an M.A. in Literature from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jim was a professor in the English Department at Indiana State University for 38 years, as well as an accomplished playwright, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. In 1968 he won the University of Michigan’s Avery Hopwood Award for playwriting, and in 1979 his film “Tor House: Lines from Robinson Jeffers” won awards at the Chicago International Film Festival, the Birmingham International Film Festival, and the American Film Festival (New York City). His second film, “Jack London: The Sailor on Horseback”, was a selection of the American Film Festival. He frequently exhibited his fine art photography, winning several local awards. His photograph, “Sterling Vineyard”, is included in the Swope Art Museum’s permanent collection.

Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a seasoned international traveler who also enjoyed taking his family on trips throughout the United States. He particularly loved to be on or near the ocean. Jim was a devoted fan of USC and Michigan football who was known for his quirky sense of humor and intellectual wit which persisted even throughout his lengthy illness.

Services were held Sunday, October 11th, at Memorial United Methodist Church, 2701 Poplar St., Terre Haute. Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m. with the services immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial donations be made to Wabash Valley Community Foundation or the charity of your choice. Mattox-Wood was entrusted with the arrangements.