James "Jim" S. Hatch

The Grand Symphony of Heaven is now one step closer to completion. James “Jim” Hatch died on December 24, 2021. He was born to Betty M. and Donald J. Hatch in Urbana, Illinois on December 4, 1945. Jim’s love of music came honestly from both of his parents, who were also very involved in musical performance. Very early in Jim’s life, he recognized that God communicated with His people through music.

Jim’s mother, Betty, encouraged him to pursue playing the piano. He quickly excelled, but he longed to play in an orchestra. With more encouragement from his mother, he learned to play the double bass. It was at this point in his young life that Jim found his passion and ultimate purpose in the world. He quickly joined his high school orchestra, playing the double bass.

After high school, Jim obtained his Bachelor of Music and his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Illinois. While working toward these degrees, he was also the drum major for the Marching Illini!

As the Vietnam era emerged, Jim was drafted by the United States Army, and served at Fort Benning, Georgia. While there, Jim became a member of the local community orchestra in Columbus. After his commitment in the military was complete, he was discharged and was accepted into the prestigious Julliard School of Performing Arts in New York City, where he obtained his master’s degree of music in 1975.

In 1976, he auditioned for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and was offered the coveted seat in the double bass section. The move to Arkansas would be the beginning of an extraordinary, prominent musical and teaching career for Mr. Hatch. It has been said that during his remarkable career, he essentially influenced thousands of students and peers alike in the state of Arkansas.

Along with his job description with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Hatch was responsible for teaching students beginning and intermediate levels of orchestra. He began with about 30 students, which quickly rose to over 300 students! He was the director of orchestral studies in the Jacksonville schools, as well as Fuller Middle School, and Mills High School, where he and his students consistently received superior and excellent ratings at countless contests and festivals. In 1980, Jim became the Instrumental Music Conductor for the Arkansas Governor’s School Orchestra—a title he held for 20 years. He was a selfless, dedicated mentor and teacher to a multitude of students, all while maintaining the title of Principle Double Bass player with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Conductor of the Arkansas Youth Symphony for many years. In the spare time that he did have, he provided private tutoring to some of his double bass students. His passion for the quality education of his students and the well-being of our state never wavered, which was evident in his frequent “Letters to the Editor” in the Democrat-Gazette. He never lost interest in the well-being of young people, and was compelled to express his love and concern through this venue.

Mr. Jim Hatch is survived by his best friend and wife, Betty Daniel Seales Hatch; Brother-in-law, Sam Chapin; a niece, Emily Lewis (Brad); a great-niece, Kolby; 2 great-nephews, Xander and Levi; 2 step-daughters (who were also Jim’s former students), Stephanie Stone (Kyle) and Janna Finnell (Michael); and three grandchildren Caroline, Wesley, and Zack.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting any donations be made to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to benefit the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra.