Jim Hatch

James Vernon Hatch of Windcrest, Texas went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 1, 2018 after a brave battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family and is now at total and complete rest and reunited in heaven with his first love Clara Jean. Jimmy was born to Plinny and Ola Mae Hatch on November 13, 1935 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He grew up in Southern Pines and had a very active childhood as a student; a cub scout; an accomplished musician playing trumpet in the high school band and leading a dance band, “The Downbeats”, which specialized in Dixieland jazz music; and serving in the Civil Air Patrol. He graduated from Southern Pines High School in 1954 and enlisted in the United States Air Force the following January. He soon married Clara Jean Garrison in September 1956, an amazing and loving union that was cut short by her unfortunate passing in 1991.

After attending basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, Airman Hatch attended technical school in Cheyenne, Wyoming and became a communications and cryptographic specialist. He traveled across the globe with the Air Force serving in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Alaska, as well as South Dakota, North Carolina, Michigan, and Missouri before retiring from the Air Force in August of 1976 having risen to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Throughout his career, Jim was the consummate professional - an outstanding leader, an essential member of every team, a volunteer for all the tough jobs, a dear friend, and a loving husband and father. His service was characterized by selection for numerous critical positions where only the best would tread. For example, the leader of the enlisted force as First Sergeant in Peshawar, West Pakistan, where he became affectionately known as “Diamond Jim” and protecting the nation’s secrets and secure communications in remote locations like Saudi Arabia. Jim was also the life of the party wherever he was, serving as the master of ceremonies at many events and pageants, and playing the role of Maude Frickert, the old Jonathan Winters character, in skits and productions honoring the departure of fellow service members to a new assignment. Many have served their country honorably, but very few have served with the distinction and accomplishment of Jim Hatch.

Jim also knew the value of education and was determined to obtain a college degree while serving his country so that he could better provide for his family when his military career ended. Consequently, he embarked on a higher education initiative which required him to work his AF job each day, attend school in the evening, then study to late hours in order to be successful. After a lengthy quest, he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Park College in 1975, and a Master’s Degree in Human Relations and Public Administration from Webster College in 1976. Characteristically, he never talked about how difficult that was for him; but he always talked about how difficult it was on his family and recognized them constantly for their support that allowed him to achieve that lifelong dream.

When Jim retired from the Air Force, he took a job in Kansas City with Commercial Union Insurance Company. Consistent with his view of the importance of education, he took every course the company offered. As a result, he quickly became a Branch Manager, and was transferred to San Antonio in that capacity in 1981. He retired from Commercial Union in 1992, but then decided to take a position as a Marketing Manager with Delta Insurance Agency, finally retiring for good in 2000. He enjoyed a second career in the insurance industry, but he was quick to say that the best thing it brought to him was the second love of his life, Mary Whisler, with whom he was wed in November 1992.

Jim never met anyone who didn’t become an immediate friend. He valued everyone like they were family and was there for those who were experiencing difficult times worrying about them more than he did about himself. He had the ultimate servant's heart and enjoyed serving his community and church as well as his country. He was a member of the Braun Station Homeowner's Association, Captain of the Windcrest Citizen's Patrol, a member of the Windcrest Economic Development Corporation, President of the San Antonio Insurance Marketing Association, and a proud member of the Masonic Lodge. As a young boy, Jim received The Calling from God, but could not afford college and seminary so he settled in as a devout Christian and devoted his life to God. He taught Sunday School for over thirty years, and his Bible is highlighted with personal references and stories which make for wonderful reading. He started the First Congregational Church of Anchorage while serving with the Air Force in Alaska, and acted as an associate pastor in Empire, Michigan where he routinely filled in to provide the message on behalf of the appointed pastor who had more than one church to attend on Sunday morning. Later, he started San Antonio’s Northwest Hills United Methodist Church from his living room in Braun Station and was the "back-up" when the pastor wasn't available. Jim's Sunday School class averaged over 70 people and he continued teaching when he came to Windcrest United Methodist Church, where he served as Church Council Chair and a member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Jim was ordained through an online credentialing service and officiated at three weddings and two funerals and was humbled by those experiences.

All of the above is important, but Jim would say that the most important thing of all is family and he instilled that notion in all he touched. He experienced joy in giving to others, brought happiness to all he came in contact with, and had a persona bigger than life. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; daughter Terri Politi and husband John; son Kevin Hatch and wife Becky; son Todd Hatch and wife Jennifer; son Tim Teehan and wife Shana; son Eric Teehan and wife Jennifer; daughter Shannon and husband Billy Bejarano; as well as 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 26th at Windcrest United Methodist Church with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. and burial with military honors at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to Windcrest United Methodist Church, 8101 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, Texas 78239.