James "Jim" Hatch

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Hatch announce his passing at the age of 85. Jim passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. James Edward Hatch was born in Detroit on February 6, 1940 to Jesse Hatch and Alice Hatch (nee Strang). Jim was defined by a supportive, optimistic, kind and gentle character. It was rare, if ever, to find him angry about anything or towards anyone.
Jim spent his formative years on the northside of Detroit. While attending Redford High School, Jim developed his love of sports cars and music, both of which became lifelong passions for him till his final days. After graduating from Redford High School, Jim briefly attended Hillsdale College, where he joined the social fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, before soon transferring to Michigan State. As Jim's family knew in his succeeding years, East Lansing, the campus of Michigan State and his Spartan friends left an indelible impression on Jim for the rest of his life. Even in the last year of his life, Jim was regularly found watching Michigan State football and basketball. Jim was always curious and engaged in all aspects of life, cultivating a number of interests along the way, so it is perhaps not surprising to anyone who knew his character that, after graduating from Michigan State, he considered the Navy's Officer Candidate School, before ultimately deciding on law school. Despite excelling in law school, the financial challenges of post-graduate work meant that he left law school after a year.
Jim took a job with Owens Corning, initially in Detroit before then transferring in the same role to Grand Rapids. During this time Jim was setup on a blind date with his future wife Trudy Faber. After dating for a year, Jim and Trudy married and started a life together in Grand Rapids, before returning to the Detroit area to start a family. Their son Eric was born while they lived in Clawson, with their daughter Tracy born soon after they moved to Troy. Jim began a career as a real estate appraiser with Standard Federal Bank, a career which he worked in for nearly four decades. It was also here at their home in Troy, where Jim and Trudy raised their family and then grew old together over the succeeding 50 years. He loved coaching his children's soccer teams, and if anyone ever saw a rare moment of Jim being angry, it was very likely towards a soccer referee making a clear and undoubtedly bad call.
Amongst Jim's many passions and hobbies were auto racing, history, films, music, sports, politics and photography. The latter was such a joy to Jim that he continued taking photography classes well into his 60s, always looking to hone his craft. Jim also loved his Premier League soccer, and he especially loved watching Liverpool and his favorite player Mohammed Salah. Ultimately, Jim's biggest passion was his family. He adored his wife Trudy and his children Eric and Tracy. His warmth, sense of humor and smile will forever be missed by his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife Trudy, son Eric (wife Annie and grandchildren Gemma, Grace and Elliott), daughter Tracy (partner Terry and granddaughter Freya), sister Mary Hendrien (nee Hatch) and her husband Horst Hendrien.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please make a donation to your favorite charity and take lots of pictures of your family, friends and the world around you. You'll Never Walk Alone.