James Hyatt Obituary
Bill was born June 6, 1958, in San Antonio, TX to Bob and Grace (Howard) Hyatt. After graduating from San Marcos High School in 1976, Bill joined the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M becoming a proud member of Squadron 5. On August 22, 1980, he married the love of his life, Rebecca Jane King, at the San Marcos Baptist Academy Chapel.
Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from Texas A&M in College Station, TX in 1980 before commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force where he served for over 33 years. He was a fighter pilot with a passion for flying where he gained 3700 hours of flight time with over 700 of those hours in combat over Iraq and Afghanistan. His ability to lead and care for America's Airmen is matchless as he commanded at squadron level, twice at the group level and twice at wing level.
Bill loved his family deeply. He was an avid reader who enjoyed time with his friends and grandchildren. He shared and instilled a profound faith in his family, patiently imparted his wisdom, shared good humor accompanied with an incredible smile, and passed along selfless service to his close family and friends, not to mention thousands of men and women that he impacted over a lifetime of service to our country.
Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Becky Hyatt; children John (Elizabeth) Hyatt of Greenville, SC, Katherine (Nathan) Osborne of San Antonio, TX, and Matt (Roxanne) Hyatt of Purcellville, VA; grandchildren William, Jack, Grace, Jane, Robert, James, Weston, Camden, and Caroline; brother and sisters Bob (Judy) Hyatt, Kita Rutherford (Stan), Mary Ann Hyatt, and Leslie Mathews; and many other nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Martindale Methodist Church with interment immediately following at Humphrey Cemetery in Martindale, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, TX, the Upstate Warrior Solution of Greenville, SC or The Wounded Warrior Foundation.
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Kevin "Kahuna" Cummins
November 25, 2025
Bill Hyatt was the finest man I've ever known in the United States Air Force. A superb leader and a caring man, he had my utmost respect as I served as his first sergeant in the 79th Fighter Squadron. I'm sorry I didn't see his information until now in 2025, but I think of him often and I think of him well. He will be missed by all of us and I am sure he is in the arms of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Godspeed, boss.
Bill "Nap" Napolitano
March 27, 2023
Becky,
My belated condolences, thoughts and prayers on the passing of Bill. I enjoyed flying and working with him closely at our assignments with the Mountain Home F-16s and the DM A-10s, and know those and more good memories will keep him close our hearts. Bill Napolitano
Bryan and Wendy Davis
March 25, 2023
Becky and family - Bryan and I are so sorry for your loss. General Hyatt was a remarkable man and an inspiration for us throughout our AF careers and beyond. He was an amazing Ops O, Commander, mentor, leader, and friend. You both hold special places in our hearts and will always be in our fondest of memories. We have been thinking of you all in these difficult times and sending our love and prayers.
Carl washburn
March 20, 2023
Tiger Commander
Many memories all good never saw him get rattled!
Never lost faith in his team! Deployed to the Lick everything that could go wrong did! Called me and the maintenance officer to his room
Reminded us to let the team know he had faith in us and don´t loose focus on doing the right thing!
He then proceeded to explain the wedge principle
There is another squadron just waiting to wedge themselves underneath us and soon enough they would lift us up
We left the deployment on top!
When he took over the 79th we were the worst squadron in the 20th wing
First commanders call he told us all he wasn´t looking for a home run load and bobs comp we were always last he just wanted a single just don´t take last
Squadron of the year that year!
God rest your soul my friend and comfort your family in this great loss!
CMSgt Carl Washburn (he gave me my Chief stripes)
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Janet Marsh
March 13, 2023
While I've never met James, I have seen how he has touched others. I work with his daughter-in-law Roxanne and spend my days with her and Matt's children at Providence Academy. I've had the pleasure of meeting Matt a few times when he is home, not serving our great county. I have briefly seen what Matt is sacrificing when he is deployed through his lovely wife and children. It sounds like Matt had a great father who touched his son deeply. God bless you, Becky, your children, and their families. I pray that you experience the peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide during what must be a very difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Janet Marsh
Jeff "CAG" Smiley
March 12, 2023
Becky, John, Katherine, Matt and family,
Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, faithful servant and servant leader, patriot, warrior, Fightin Texas Aggie, commander, mentor, general officer, a man of deep faith and character and an American fighter pilot. He was a squadron mate for four years at Texas A&M and we shared the same profession after words. He was easily the finest fighter pilot, instructor and commander in our Air Force. He helped me through a very tough time in my career and I was grateful to him. I have paid it forward many times since then.
"So here´s a nickel on the grass to you, my friend,
for your spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice and courage -
but most of all to your friendship.
Your´s is a dying breed and when you are gone,
the world will be a lesser place"
You will forever be missed. Can't wait for the rejoin and you have the lead on the left.
Bill Barber
March 12, 2023
Becky and Family, Although I have known the King and Hyatt families for most of my life, it has only been in the last months that we have become acquainted through our common journey with Parkinson's Disease. I have missed Bill's wonderful smile and sense of humor and the same for his "corner person" in Rock Steady Boxing. My thoughts and prayers for peace and healing are with you during this difficult time.
Chainsaw McCullough
March 12, 2023
Becky,
You might remember me as fish McCullough, I used to pull Bill´s boots off at Texas A& M in Sq 5. My deepest sorrow for my brother and many prayers for the family!!!
Lt Col (ret) " Chainsaw" McCullough
Kurt "Buster" Westfall
March 10, 2023
Becky and family,
Jeanette´s and my most sincere condolences on the passing of Bill. He was a great man and a great pilot. A true servant leader who made the world a better place. Rest in peace my friend.
Tara Redell
March 10, 2023
From the day I met then
Col. Hoss and Becky (way back when)
I remember fondly the care and kindness they showed all the young pilots, their wives and children.
That man had the strength of a gentle giant and the love for his family goes without saying.
He commanded attention when he walked into a room and didn't even know it.
First Friday´s, O´club fun and squadron picnic´s.
Thanks for the memories.
Tara Redell
Doug Utley aka Moonshine
March 10, 2023
Becky, so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing-way too young. I have great memories of our Time at Kunsan. I still tell stories related to his callsign.
Michael J. Regan MSgt ret.
March 10, 2023
Becky and family,
I am sorry for your loss and pray that God provide comfort and strength during this time.
Best commander I ever had. As a member of the 79th FS and single parent of two girls, Col. Hyatt made sure I stayed the course. He was the biggest influence in my career. God speed Commander
Rob "Dools" Dooley
March 9, 2023
Dear Becky,
Am so sorry for your loss and pray that God provides you and the family all the strength needed to get through this difficult time. I'm honored to have had Bill as a friend. He helped me and so many others around him grow personally and professionally. He was an outstanding leader who coaxed the best out of people because of who he was - humble, incredibly competent, patient, trustworthy and honorable. May he rest in peace.
My sincerest condolences to you.
Teena Lamm
March 9, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark and Rebecca Mattison
March 9, 2023
Becky, I miss him. Even though we rarely talked, I often used him as an example of how a husband, man, leader should be. And anytime we talked, I felt better for it. Bill was my absolute favorite leader in the Air Force and in life.
Anytime, anything you need never hesitate to call,
Mark "SNapper" and Rebecca Mattison
[email protected]
Tim "Big-Un" Saffold and Doc Cheryl
March 9, 2023
Commander, Warrior, Mentor, and Friend. Hoss influenced and inspired; he selflessly led; his friendship and wise counsel was a true blessing that will never be forgotten. Memories of our flights together at DM and in Afghanistan; hearing him laugh about the mouse in the cake; and watching him mentor Bulldogs young and not so young will be honored and cherished for all time. Cheryl and I are deeply saddened by his passing but know that his legacy of strength, kindness, and the love he had for Becky and Family will live on forever in the many lives he touched. God Speed, my friend.
Pete "Zupp" Zuppas
March 9, 2023
Becky and Family,
Very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. "Hoss" and I went through F-16 Fighter Weapons School together in 1990, and became great friends during that not so easy course and he was our leader, the best in our class (top graduate). I remember clearly a debrief where Hoss told the instructors they were wrong. And he was right about them being wrong, and that made him stand even taller amongst our class and even some of the instructors. What a hoot we had in that class, and Bill's hearty laugh is truly unforgettable...and he's gotta be laughing with that laugh, from above right now, remembering the above.
Our paths crossed again twenty years later as I was fortunate enough to work for now Major General Hyatt at Nellis AFB, in his role as the commander of the USAF Warfare Center. That is one of the most important jobs in the AF and Becky I think you guys really enjoyed that assignment. What a pleasure it was to work under Bill's leadership and more than a great leader and fighter pilot - he is a great man...the nicest and most down to earth fighter pilot I've ever met. Humble, Approachable and Credible, as goes the Weapons School creed, he was.
Will surely miss him, very sorry for your loss, know that there are so many that gained so much in their lives from being around Bill.
Love and prayers to all of you.
- Zupp
Jeff "ABU" Moore
March 9, 2023
Becky, my heart and prayers go out to you and family. I cannot overstate the lifelong impact you and "Hoss" both had on Amy and me. Together, you both set the example for how to lead and care for a squadron as family. As a new wingman in the 79th FS, I´ll forever look back with fondness on all the sweat and spittle that flew my way after my string of typical new wingman buffoonery. And in typical Hoss fashion, that challenge only caused him to take me under his wing for a "molding" that should simply be called "The Hoss Effect." Whether he was "sitting me down" to attend every Red Flag briefing "on time" for a week before I could fly or shaking me off during a lead change so I had to lead the formation in some surprising fashion, his personal leadership was uniquely his. And that extends beyond the professional. While deployed to Middle East and shortly after proposing to Amy, I naïvely thought I could skip Valentine´s Day. I´ll never forget his deep laugh and forever smile as he pulled me aside to explain "the rules" to me. As a leader and husband, his example has been with me through every difficult and joyous moment. Hoss has truly been one my guiding ROCKS. His legacy lives on in all those he has touched. Thoughts and blessings from Jeff "ABU" Moore.
John Hesterman
March 9, 2023
Easily one of the kindest, most thoughtful and tremendously talented men I have ever known...a once in a lifetime friend. My deepest condolences and thanks for sharing this wonderful man with us. With great respect...
Balz Stock
March 8, 2023
Hoss Hyatt. One of the greatest fighter pilots I´ve ever known. He is THE reason I became an A-10 pilot. I was on my elimination ride because I "couldn´t find the wire." Hoss was my instructor during this flight. We did one pass, then another...and then he gave me 10 seconds of instruction that changed my life forever. From that day forward, I never had a problem again in a jet for 22+ years. May God bless Hoss and his wonderful family.
-Balz
Jim and Amy Bigham
March 8, 2023
I was taken aback to hear the news and can only offer prayers for Becky and the family at your loss. I know that Bill is now back home and in the hands of our Lord. Our nation and especially all of us who knew and flew with him are so much better for the time we had with him. I have great memories of our time together at Shaw together in the 79th as does anyone that served with him.
Blend´r Novotny
March 8, 2023
Gen Hyatt was a great leader and mentor to me and others when he was the Warfare Center Commander at Nellis Air Force Base. Kind, professional and fun to be around. Nickel on the grass...
Tbone Short
March 8, 2023
So sorry to Hear of General Hyatt's passing. Thoughts and prayers with all of you. It was an honor to serve with him. Such a good man-
Arthur E. Sevigny
March 8, 2023
Arthur E. Sevigny
March 8, 2023
Arthur E. Sevigny
March 8, 2023
So sorry to hear of Gen Hyatt's passing. I first met him in 2005 when he was Commander of the 20 FW. He flew out to our 20th FW Associaiton reunion in Tucson along with the three flying squadron's commanders to spend some time with us old guys & gals. He was generous with his time, entertaining our tales of old and briefing us on the current doings at the 20th. Clear skies sir.
Waldo Waldman
March 8, 2023
Waldo Waldman
March 8, 2023
Waldo Waldman
March 8, 2023
To the Hyatt family,
I am sincerely saddened by the loss of such an amazing leader, Air Force officer and American. He was a mentor to all and had a significant impact on me as a young fighter pilot. I'll never forget our days in Saudi flying missions in Iraq, and his friendly demeanor, commitment and kindness. He left such a positive mark in the world and will be sorely missed. Wishing you all peace and comfort in this trying time.
Rob "Waldo" Waldman
PS I snapped these photos in ~Dec 1999 while deployed at PSAB.
Patrick "Pat" Howard
March 8, 2023
Sympathies and condolences to all the Hyatts from the Pat Howards. Jim Bill, may you rest in peace.
Chuck Sorge
March 8, 2023
I am truly sorry for your family´s loss. May you take comfort in the knowledge that he is in the arms of God! I thoroughly enjoyed our time working together at the Pentagon (AF Vice Chief of Staff´s Office). He had an incredible balance of leadership, compassion and humor. Respectfully, Chuck Sorge
Jon & Kim Norman
March 7, 2023
What an amazing man, fighter pilot, leader, father and friend. Hands down the finest Instructor Pilot and leader I ever flew with. He was humble, approachable and absolutely selfless. His smile was infectious and the standard he set as a leader was beyond reproach. Our Air Force is better and our nation much more secure because of his service. He and Becky were the ultimate dynamic duo as a military family. They set a standard for how to balance family, friends and work better than any we've seen. The impact he had on our lives is immeasurable and will be a legacy that live on in everyone lucky enough to have known him. Rest in Peace my friend
Carrolle Anne Hyatt Kamperman
March 7, 2023
Dear Becky and Family,
I was so saddened to learn of Bill´s passing. The past few days have brought many sweet memories back from our childhood: Easter Sunday barbecues at Uncle Bob and Aunt Grace´s, featuring brisket and pinatas, riding (very fast) in the car with our grandmother (Mama Nelle), to name a few. Here´s a memory that just sprang to mind as I was typing. One evening in the summer, around dusk, we decided to run around the outside of Mama Nelle´s house, starting in opposite directions, to see who could get back to the starting point the most quickly. So we both ran as fast as we could, rounded the house, and crashed into each other back at the starting point by the pyracantha bush. We banged heads and both got knocked backwards. There were a lot of tears at the time, but the whole thing is so funny when I look back. Becky, here´s one for you: I think it was in 1974 when Bill was 16 and I was 14. My family was at his family´s house for Christmas dinner. Bill had been given a used car for Christmas, and Aunt Grace made him take me for a ride in it. I figured we would ride in silence because of course, taking his ridiculous cousin for a ride would be the last thing he would want to do. But instead, he talked-and talked and talked-about how he wanted to show you his new car, Becky. He told me then and there that he loved you and wanted to marry you someday. And his wish came true. How wonderful to have shared so many lovely years together! My heart goes out to all of you, and you are in my prayers.
Sending much love,
Carrolle Anne
Robert "Bobaloo" Rickard
March 7, 2023
I will always remember (then LtCol) Hyatt and his outstanding leadership in a crazy time at Shaw AFB in the 79th FS. Great memories in Jordan and elsewhere. There couldn't be a finer human being. My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the family. Tiger Tiger
Paul Meyer, MSgt USAF (Ret)
March 7, 2023
I retired from the Air Force after 23 years and can't count the number of senior leaders that I have met. SECDEFs, SECAFs, 4-Stars, and countless others yet I still remember to this day the first time that I met Gen Hyatt because he stood out from all of those. He was a true leader and inspirational person. I had the pleasure of being under his command and having a professional relationship with him that most people in my career field would never get to have with their NAF Commander and I consider myself very fortunate for that. Gen Hyatt was truly one of the leaders that the Air Force and this planet need more of and is already missing. My deepest condolences as I know his family will now miss him very much. I was on a rotator returning from a deployment so I wasn´t able to make it to his retirement, but Ms. Becky, I am trying really hard to move things around to make it down there on Friday however, if I can´t please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and if you ever need anything you can always reach out. Paul Meyer
Ginny Shirley
March 7, 2023
Becky, we were so sorry to hear of Gen Hyatt´s passing. We enjoyed our time together at Shaw AFB SC. You both were such special people and an inspiration to us all. We send our sincere sympathy and condolences to you and the entire family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Ginny & Buddy Shirley
Ryan Barker
March 7, 2023
One of the greatest fighter pilots, instructors, leaders, and people in our generation--you will be missed sir...
Flash
Tim and Mindy Nall
March 7, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. Tim and I were stationed with the Hyatts in Mt Home, Idaho, which hold special memories. Love and prayers to Becky and the family.
Ty Gilbert, Colonel, USAF
March 7, 2023
I have been in the Air Force for over 26 years. In that time, there has been no greater influence on my leadership style than you, I am happy to have been able to tell you that in person. Maj Gen (ret) Hoss Hyatt, you were a case study in leadership. You taught me to respect the time of EVERY person on the team regardless of rank, to be on time and to listen more than you spoke. You proved to me that you can have a good time, find time for humor and still be an effective leader. Lastly, on a personal level, you reinforced the importance of family, not just by words, but through deeds. The thing you were more proud of was your beloved family, it inspired me to be a better father. It showed in every story you told, every action I saw. I had the honor to be your right hand man as a young officer, I went to war with you. I would do it again. I am a better man for it. The world was better with you in it...you undoubtedly made your mark on countless folks and we will mourn your loss. God Bless you and Team Hyatt. This is my last picture with you, enjoying some BBQ in New Braunfels in March 2021. RIP Sir, you will never be forgotten.
Mark Fair
March 7, 2023
Bill was in Squadron Five with me at Texas A&M. Even though I lost touch with him after graduation, I worked with his sister Mary Ann for several years. Through her, I was able to follow Bill's incredibly successful career in the Air Force. Bill was definitely "one of the good ones", and one that we lost way too too soon. Please accept my most sincere condolences to all of Bill's family.
Mark Fair Filthy Fifth Class of 78
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323 N Comanche, San Marcos, TX 78666
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