James Ralph Hatfield, III

The world has lost a valuable human. I met Jim when I worked at Oil Equipment Co years ago and he was with PDQ. Jim had an unforgettable presence about him. A sense of humor and knowledge about all things. He had the uncanny ability to get to know people and become immediate friends never forgetting someone's name, nature, or talents. He was the leader of his journey and I was saddened to hear of his loss. RIP Jim. It is my hope that you are already working on some project where you are - and making everything better.

Jim was such a good friend for many years. He loved his sisters dearly and then there was that Austin Healey that he was at sometime going to get back together? Did he ever get it done? He was a good man and so sorry to all of his family that will miss his quirky sense of humor and sense of style... RIP Jim you touched my heart and mind! Connie (Buss) Gille

My sympathy goes out to Cheryl and the entire Hatfield clan. You were fortunate to have this fine man in your lives. Jim had genuine concern for the well being of others. His warm voice moved me. I hear it still.

My condolences go out to all of Jim’s family. The world has lost a good man. I met Jim in 1987, when I was one of “his German students” in Cargill Lodge on N. Carroll Street in Madison. I stayed there until January 1989 and became friends with Jim. As he found out that I was quite handy with remodeling and woodworking jobs around the house, he let me help him in keeping the nice old house in good shape. I enjoyed the time working with him, learning things and he really gave me a big lesson in “living the American way of live” and opening up my mind to what my direction could be. I really spent a lot of time with him and always enjoyed his open hearted laughs and jokes. What a good man. I have been loosely in contact with Jim since 1989. I visited him during many business trips I took to Chicago. Sometimes I just stopped by without prior notice, rang the bell on N. Carroll St. and he would say “Hey, great to see you. Let’s talk. I have to go out to do a job, do you want to help me? You can stay here and sleep on the couch”. Which I did. Last time I met Jim personally, was in 2007 when I travelled to the US with my wife and kids. We visited him out on Waterman Rd, finding him in a very good mood as he had found the love of his life and a good place to live. My three boys were really impressed by him showing us his land and house, joking and laughing. They will not ever forget him. They are still talking about “the day when we met Jim”. Some years ago I got a mail saying “Frank, is that you?” And I replied, hoping for some more mails, but Jim wasn’t a fried of emails, more of real face to face talks, I think. So last year I tried to get a hold of him, without success and finally stumbled into the sad news that we’ve lost this man. My friend. RIP. I will not forget you and the times we had. Sadly, I do not have any contact to his wife and family. But please take my condolences. And sorry for this late message.