James Hyatt Sr

James “Jim” Loyd Hyatt Sr., 84, of Lake Odessa, Michigan crossed the river to the open arms of Jesus on January 28, 2021 after the reassurance from his loved ones that his work here on earth was complete and his “Woushie” would be taken care of with the same love he always had for her.

Jim was born on October 13, 1936 to Charlie and Lillie (Hampton) Hyatt in Piney Flats, Tennessee. After growing up on the family homestead, he headed north to Michigan where he met the love of his life, Ruth Simmons, on May 8, 1961. They married a short time later and spent 59 years raising the four children God blessed them with and enjoying the many adventures life brought them. They built the family farm in 1973 and raised their children in the church; there was never a meal eaten without prayer or a Sunday that wasn’t held as a day of rest and family time, often snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing together. Jim loved fishing so much that he dug his own pond and made sure it was fully stocked so he could fish with his kids and grandkids whenever they wanted. For even more time with his beloved family, Jim built a family cottage on a lake up north where his family will continue to spend time together honoring his legacy of the importance of family and the love of God.

He was a hard-working husband and father who held various positions over the years working as a journeyman bricklayer and finishing his career as an Instructor at the Grand Rapids Community College Occupational Training Center. Jim touched many lives as an educator and was so proud of the accomplishments of his students as they improved their lives under his guidance and care. Jim also faithfully served the Sebewa Church of God for nearly five decades. He was on the Church and Pastor’s Council and was a faithful child of God.

Waiting for Jim on the other side of the river into heaven were those who preceded him: parents, Charlie and Lillie Hyatt; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Katherine Simmons; son, Chris Hyatt; granddaughter, LaKisha Kemp; great-grandson, Aberin Teachworth; and siblings Roy, Jake, Dick, Ina Mae, Mary Nell, Virgil, Ruth, Pearl, Paul, and Ivan.

Jim will be forever missed by: his wife of 59 years, Ruth (Simmons) Hyatt; sons, James Hyatt Jr. and Steve Hyatt; daughter, Connie Sutherland; grandchildren, Marci (Paul) Teachworth, Katy (Dave) VandeWaa, James (Holly) Hyatt III, Lindsay Hyatt, Halie Wieber, and Mason and Alex Sutherland; great-grandchildren, Karli, Lilli, Emma, Alli, Braelyn, Gabbi, Gannon, Grayson, and Hadley; brothers, Pete (Janet) Hyatt and Manuel Hyatt; sisters, Rosa Lee (O’Dell) Carrier and Janice (Joe) Snapp, along with many, many more friends and family members around the country.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 3rd at 1:00pm at Sebewa Church of God in Lake Odessa, Michigan. There will be a visitation for family and friends at 12:00pm with the service immediately following at 1:00pm.