James Gilford Hatley

James G. Hatley, Sr., age 77 of Lewiston, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at his home on Sunday, January 24, 2021.

James was born in Paris, Tennessee on March 31, 1943 to William G. and Greatta M. Hatley. He has one sister Patricia (Phil Tamlyn), and three brothers: Paul, Carl (Sue), and the late William Hatley. As a teenager, James worked on a farm. He grew up with his late wife Shirley; together they had four children: Stacy Modine Hatley Hubbard, James Gilford Hatley II (Teresa), Robert Daniel Hatley, and Kendra Gail Hatley. In 1996, James lost his beloved wife Shirley, and he found love again and married Janet Neilson on May 3, 1998. Along with Janet came her four boys: Robert, Jacob, Clayton, and David. He was passionate about the Lord: he followed Him truly. James had a passion for woodworking. He loved working with his hands and he rebuilt tables, chairs, and other wooden furniture. He also loved making ceramic figurines and outdoor decorations. Another passion he had was traveling; as a semi driver he enjoyed seeing new places. James was a man you would always find outdoors; he loved fishing, camping, and going to flea markets.

James is survived by his wife Janet; his 4 children: Stacy, James II, Robert Daniel, and Kendra; and his 4 step-children: Robert, Jacob, Clayton and David. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, 2 brothers and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: William & Greatta, his brother William, his wife Shirley, his granddaughter Shirley, and his great-grandson Raiden. His loving smile and contagious laugh will be forever missed.

Visitation on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 1 -2 PM at the Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI, with Funeral Services at 2 PM with Pastor Bobby Hatley officiating. Interment at Albert Township Cemetery, Lewiston, Michigan.

These arrangements were handled by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.