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James Hatfield Obituary
Dec. 1, 1939 - Sept. 10, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
James Darwin Hatfield, a beloved high-school math and photography teacher, led a rich and active life. Born in Ellendale, ND, he moved with his mother to California when he was 15 years old. He graduated from San Jose State University where he met his wife of 51 years, Kathy. Jim's true passion was photography. While he was teaching, he made time for trips to Central and South America as the photographer for a group of doctors doing volunteer surgeries, as well as chaperoning groups of students to Europe on photography expeditions. He was also a prolific wedding, school, and youth sports photographer. While at home, he spent time making home brew, keeping bees, and researching his family genealogy. He had a great love of cats, particularly Sam, whom he called 'my buddy'.
Jim was an avid golfer and played many rounds with his father-in-law, Marion and son, John. He traveled to faraway places to golf including Scotland, Ireland, and Hawaii.
Jim really hit his stride when he retired and began to travel for his own pleasure and understanding of other cultures. In the last 14 years, he made multiple trips to Europe, Asia, South America, and Cuba, taking pictures and sampling local beers along the way. In addition, he made 15 trips to Baja on the Green Tortoise, and seven times he dyed his hair pink for a week in order to fully experience the revelry of Burning Man. In Baja and Black Rock City he was known as 'Diego'. He and his wife traveled to Argentina, Peru, and Oaxaca to experience month-long Spanish immersion programs, and to Guatemala to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity.
He was a loving father of three and grandfather of three. He died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, in the home that he built in Santa Cruz more than 40 years ago.
He is survived by his wife Kathy; his son John (Lisa); daughters Sarah Hatfield-Smith (Al) and Amy Hatfield; and grandchildren Austin and Emma Smith, and Yunji Hatfield. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene Eaton and Peggy Petersen; half-sister Nancy Lynn Gipson; his Aunt Betty Haberman, and several cousins in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Jim was 73 years old.
Memorial plans are pending. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hatfield
Graeme Joyce
September 14, 2020
Jim left us too soon! He was a true friend, l loved him.
I miss his intellect and his humor.
Kent Williams
September 13, 2020
I met James on one of his Green Tortoise Baja trips. He was an easy-going man of gentle wisdom. I spent a lot of time talking to him about travel and photography. I told him the regrets I had about having given away a beautiful old double-lens Rolliflex reflex camera years before when I was a teenager. James later sent me one of his similar old cameras to mitigate my regret. I had lived in the San Jose/Los Gatos area and knew several people who had gone to Saratoga High School. Every one of them knew Mr. Hatfield and considered him one of their favorite teachers. They were effusive in their praise, as I am in mine. This is a man who really had positive impact in his life. Seems like just yesterday that we were in a little fishing boat together. We ate lunch at a little village where he had been before and he brought gifts to the local kids. He knew of his diagnoses then and seemed at peace with everything. Very inspiring man, I only wish I had gotten to know him better.
Craig Merjanian
July 13, 2017
Mr. Hatfield ignited a light within me that still brightly shines today. He encouraged me personally in the love of photography and helped launch me into professional photography career. It has been 42 years since I opened my first studio, and it was Mr. H's love and encouragement that has kept me going. I just learned about his passing this 13th day of July 2017 and my heart grieves the loss of this finest of teachers and friend. I have prayed for him over the years as well as for his precious wife Kathy and their three lovely children I had the pleasure of meeting SHS in the early 1970's. My heart goes out to all of you. God Bless you all! I love you, Jim!
February 27, 2014
Mr. Hatfield was one of my favorite teachers. He actually is one of the reasons I went into education. He never forgot a student - and when I picked up the phone thirty years after I graduated from SHS, he remembered exactly who I was. He and I got a chance to talk about math philosophy and I often wished I had a chance to play that round of golf we talked about that day.
Heidi Berghorn Frisby
November 29, 2013
It was a turning point in my awkward high school life back in the late 70's when Mr. Hatfield told me that I was beautiful and worthy. I gained so much confidence that I desperately needed! That was who he was - regardless of the subject he was teaching. Mr. Hatfield bolstered many a student's ego and made us all feel special and important. He was an inspiration for others throughout his life. A man worthy of eternal accolades! Peace to you, Mr. H.
Kent Williams
November 28, 2013
I met Jim on a Baja Green Tortoise trip several years back. He was truly a gentleman and a charismatic figure. I enjoyed my numerous conversations with him. He was comfortable with his circumstances in life. He emanated wisdom and peace. I will always remember him fondly.
Donna Mason-VonMerta
November 4, 2013
Mr. Hatfield was my favorite teacher of all. I had him for 2 years in photography. My regular class, and I was a TA in another class, 1973-1974. He made me love photography and I learned so very much. I would miss a math class just to go learn more. He accepted that as math was a big problem for me. When I was in his room when not in math, I would clean darkroom, hang and sort student photos to organize, change fluids etc. he took extra time to explain the pinhole box cameras. I have a large collection still of my black and white photos from then. I had been thinking of him approx 3 days prior to hearing news, and I had already posted his picture and what he wrote next to it in my yearbook in my class group of 1975. It was very complimentary to me, to be sure to return next year and work even harder with him as his TA. I did in fact go back and was his TA for my entire senior year of 74-75! I think he knew impact he had on me, since I hung out in that class or after class helping others with their photos. Each black and white I have I cherish. I have a large collection and love photography still, using what I learned very much. RIP, Mr.Hatfield, you were an inspirational and kind man.
Carolyn Fellows
October 27, 2013
To Handsome Brother - Mom and Dad didn't give us one, so Kathy brought one home to us, the best brother we could ever have. Love you, miss you, Jim.
Kerry Mohnike
October 27, 2013
One of my "how to have a life while still teaching" mentors when I began at SHS in '91. He shared so much of his love of the school and kids and his love of photography...I'll never forget his retirement speech at the closing faculty meeting. He'd calculated how many times he'd commuted over the hill along with several other crazy facts about teaching with us all those years, then picked up his golf clubs and walked out the door. What a guy! We will miss him even more now that he's gone off to play elsewhere.
Fred Dick
October 25, 2013
If you are lucky, there are a hand full of teachers in your life that leave a lasting impression. Jim was such man. Kind, thoughtful and generous with his time.
Mr. Hatfield with some of this students. Europe Summer 78.
Kurt Brinkmann
October 24, 2013
Mr. Hatfield was a wonderful teacher and role model. He taught me the best lesson I learned in High School. Each photography student had to create a slideshow to be viewed by the entire class. One student's presentation was bizarre. As I recall it was prosaic shots taken around a shopping center (El Paso?) including startled looking people juxtaposed against an epic orchestral score. The reaction was typical High School: a lot of laughing AT the show. When it was over Mr. Hatfield asked “Did it occur to any of you that this may be over our heads?” What I learned was to pay attention to how I perceived life and the rewards have been rich. To put it another way he taught me, in a way that has stuck for 35 years, that the mind behind the camera is more important than the camera.
On another note, on that Europe tour '78 I was with Mr. Hatfield when he walked up to the Arc de Triomphe, put his hand on it and said “This is the spot I first touched the Arc de Triomphe”. That simple acknowledgment of a moment in his life struck a chord with me. A few years ago when I was with my family in Paris I told my daughters that story at the A de T and they said the same thing as they touched it for the first time.
Mr. Hatfield will always be in my thoughts.
Bill Gallmeister
October 23, 2013
Mr. Hatfield's photography class at SHS was great. He was clearly a guy who knew what was important, and one of the most memorable teachers--in a good way. We also went with him on a Europe tour in 1978. It was a truly formative experience.
Ann-Marie Lerone-Fullmore
October 23, 2013
Mr. Hatfield was a great teacher and wonderful person. I actually use a trick he taught us all the time: Whenever someone had the hiccups in class, he would come close to you (invading your personal space just a little) and that would cure your hiccups! It really works and whenever I help someone stop hiccuping in this way, I always give credit to "Uncle Jim."
Victoria Liou-Johnson
October 23, 2013
Mr. Hatfield was my math teacher at Saratoga High School for several math classes. I remember fondly calling him "dad" because he was always so kind and encouraging, even when I wasn't performing up to my potential. I am so sorry to hear that he has passed. May his family find solace in knowing that he touched and enriched so many lives.
Elle Chen
October 23, 2013
You were one of my favorite teachers at SHS. Thank you for touching my life.
Austiaj O'Brien
October 22, 2013
Dear Hatfields, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Hatfield as a lovely person with a very kind heart and fantastic energy about him. I wish you strength during this difficult time.
Gary Norris
October 2, 2013
I will miss you Jim. You know you were my favorite teacher, and I am sure I was among your worse students, but you helped me through a lot of stuff, always believed in me. I believed in you too. Love you Jim.
Grant Young
September 24, 2013
Kathy, although I never met Jim I'm sure he will be missed. Sorry for your loss
Todd Trzcinski
September 23, 2013
A great guy to know- always an enthusiasm for life and earning. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Hugh Roberts
September 22, 2013
Thank you, Jim: for making my professional life richer, and Saratoga High a better place for everyone.
Karin Hsiao
September 21, 2013
Good bye for now, Uncle Jimmy. I will miss you, especially around the time of our almost-the-same-day birthdays. I always enjoyed the email greetings you sent to wish me a happy day.
John Hatfield
September 20, 2013
The best father a kid could have. Thanks for all the memories, Dad. You will remain in our hearts forever.
Elizabeth Guthrie Skylar
September 20, 2013
Mr Hatfield was a great teacher, and a great mentor. He was the cool guy, always and forever. Thanks for everything you did for us.
September 19, 2013
We will always be thankful for the great pictures he took of the students at Happy Valley School. Our thoughts go out to Kathy & the kids.
Peggy Petersen
September 19, 2013
Jimmy.....we were separated for many years during our growing years and I will always be grateful for the many years we were able to share. Sleep with the angels my beautiful brother....Peg
Graeme & Jan Joyce
September 19, 2013
Kathy & Family,
Jan & I were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. It was always a real pleasure for me, whenever I spent time with Jim. Even though we didn't spend a lot of time together, when we did, it was quality time, well spent. Jim was most comforting to me during some of my more difficult times, and for that, he will always be remembered. Jim was an honorable and faithful friend. I know you shall miss him greatly, as will many others who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with you, John, Sarah, and Amy, at this very sad time..
With deepest sympathy,
Graeme & Jan
Brion Sprinsock
September 19, 2013
Fair well Jim. You were the best teacher I encountered in my school years. You viewed me as a colleague and respected the work I did in your class. You were an inspiration to me and my classmates. Creative, enthusiastic, caring, and friendly. I'm sure you changed the lives of many of your students. You won't be forgotten.
Jeanine Beronja
September 19, 2013
My favorite teacher of all time at Saratoga High School. You will me missed by many, Rest in Peace Mr. Hatfield
Trish McMahon
September 19, 2013
You were the best teacher we had at SHS ! I love photography now more than ever, thanks to all you taught us. Thanks Jim May journey to the other side be as exciting as you made here on earth. With much gratitude- Mahalo Jim
Trish McMahon
September 18, 2013
Jim, you will be missed by all who knew you~~Heather Korff
Susan Sato
September 18, 2013
Remembering your wonderful laugh, funny stories and great sense of humor. We'll always love you, Uncle Jim.
Sarah Hatfield-Smith
September 17, 2013
Love you Dad! I will always miss you.
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