Obituary of James David Hathaway

James David Hathaway December 25, 1928 - November 10, 2015 James David Hathaway. 86, died Tuesday morning, November 10, 2015 at the Kindred Hospital in Pasadena, Tx. following complications with pneumonia. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Virginia Hathaway, and his siblings Audrey Norris, Enid Graham, Eugene Hathaway, and Aileen Shiver. Mr. Hathaway is survived by his son, Richard Hathaway, daughter Rebecca Boyd and son Jon Hathaway; step children Carl Clark and wife Cheryn, Kathi Boozer and husband Arlon, and Larry Clark and wife Andrea. He was grandfather to John, David, Rick, Jeffery and Carl Clark, Arlon Jr. and Christopher Boozer, Wesley, Amy, and Matthew Clark, and Stephanie and Michelle Van Arsdal. He had 20 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Born in Vernon, Tx and raised in the surrounding area, James was the youngest of five children of Eugene H. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Hathaway. Growing up on farms in Wilbarger and Wise counties during the depression, James earned extra money for the family by learning carpentry, using his bicycle for transportation. He continued using the bicycle until enlisting right after his 18th birthday. In the Army, he was stationed in Nome, Alaska at Marks Army Airfield. Then he was transferred to Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. Here he became an MP, with his main duty as driving the Commander around the base. After serving for four years, Mr. Hathaway returned to civilian life and started his family. He also became a truck driver, which was one of several occupations he would hold over the years. He would do his jobs to the best of his abilities, whether it was as a truck driver, a supervisor in logistics, a salesman or a courier. What James Hathaway enjoyed most was family gatherings with good food and witty conversation. He was known by his friends and family for his humor and corny jokes. He was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Pasadena, Tx, and a frequent attendee of the Beacons gathering. He enjoyed the camaraderie and fun of the potluck lunches and various activities. There he made many good friends who will miss him. A memorial service will be held on November 13, 2015 at Paul U. Lee LaPorte Funeral Home at 2 PM. Mr. Hathaway's video tribute can be seen at the link below: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/DFSMDBN4FQXQ6C9H