James Morton (Jim) Hatler III

James Morton (Jim) Hatler III, formerly of Big Spring, Cleburne, Coleman, Lufkin, Baytown and San Leon, joined his family in Heaven on Saturday, December 24, 2016

He was born October 28, 1934 in Sperry, Oklahoma to Rev. James Morton Hatler, Jr and Ellen Irene Capps Hatler at the home of his grandparents, William Larkin & Grace Capps.

He grew up in Fort Worth, Maydelle, and Grapeland. He graduated from Grapeland High School where he lettered in basketball and football.  He attended Howard County College, Athens, the General Motors Institute, Flint Michigan, and continued his business education at the University of Chicago Banking School, and the American Institute of Banking, where he taught courses.

He worked at Tidwell Chevrolet, Big Spring, was a collector for Southwestern Investment company, Vice President of First National Bank, Big Spring, Executive Vice President, Cleburne National Bank, President of the National Bank of Grand Prairie, President of Bank of Texas, Dallas, Chairman of Coleman Bank, President of Texas National Bank, Lufkin, and Owner of Hatler’s General Motors Dealership, Coleman. He was engaged in construction and development of property, concluding with his current businesses in Galveston County

Some of his many civic contributions included President of the Cleburne Lions Club, and Chairman of the YMCA, the Park and Recreation Board, and Johnson County United Way. He was a member of Trinity Tabernacle, Baytown

He loved his planes, boats, Harley Davidson’s, and RV’s. He especially enjoyed the Nascar and Indy Races, Air Force shows at Ellington Field, Salmon Lake Bluegrass Festivals, Hot Rod tours with his son and grandson, and Ivey/Marshall family events at Felders Chapel.

He is survived by his daughter Tammie Hatler of San Leon, son and daughter-in-law Jay and Kelley Hatler of Austin, Arkansas, his grandchildren Lauren Steadman of San Leon, Richie Steadman of Houston, Christina Hatler, of Little Rock, Sarah Hatler of Austin, and Nathan Hatler of Austin

Jim will be fondly remembered for his humor, business advice, love and support by; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Dale Hatler, sister Karen Napier, brother Paul Hatler, nephews and nieces Raymond and Will Hatler, Randy Thomas, Kathy White, James Thomas, Sharon Fields, Troy Hatler, Shane Hatler, Stephanie Wright, and numerous relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Interment will be at the Resthaven family plot, Houston, followed later by a celebration of life gathering of family members. For those who cannot attend, the family would appreciate contributions of condolences, events, humor, and special thoughts, to be read at the family memorial. Please e-mail to: [email protected]

Similar Posts