James Hatch, Sr.
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Former Brownsville, Marble Falls, and Kingsland resident James Hatch (Jimmy) went to be with the Lord on May 12th, 2022 in Spicewood, Texas. He was born August 2, 1931 in Edinburg, Texas to Frank and Dory Hatch.
Jimmy began his career with Burton Auto Supply and Burton Bearing and Industrial when he was just 15-years-old. He was already building his own hot rods and wanted the job to get parts for his cars. The manager of the store asked, "Why on earth should I hire a kid like you?" Young Jimmy responded, "Because sir, I'm just like a piece of putty. You can mold me into whatever you want or need me to be!" He was hired on the spot and was called "Putty" at Burton's for decades, rising up to be vice-president of Burton Auto and president of Burton Bearing and creating several agricultural and industrial innovations along the way. As Burton's described upon his retirement, "Jim is one of the true pioneers of the Agriculture and Industrial Supply business in the Rio Grande Valley."
Jimmy was a veteran of the Korean War, serving three years in the U.S. Army. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Elaine Harris, on April 25,1954. For over 30 years, they lived, worked, and raised their family in Brownsville and served the community. Jimmy served as president of the United Way of Brownsville as well as president of the Lions Club of Brownsville. From there, Jim and Elaine moved to the Marble Falls and Kingsland areas where they lived for over 20 years.
After retirement, Jimmy and Elaine hit the road! They worked at a dude ranch near Yellowstone National Park where they loved meeting and greeting people from all over the world. Together they had many adventures and much joy in those years travelling and visiting 49 states before moving to Spicewood. In Spicewood, Jim lived with daughter Bettie Anne and her family for the last 15 years along with his beloved dog, Chula. They loved being together through thick and thin and Jim made a whole new set of friends barbecuing and hosting Texas football parties with the crew.
But the most powerful thing that Jimmy Hatch did was the way that he touched the lives of everyone he met?always a smile on his face, he never met a stranger. But his greatest impact was on his family. All agree that they've never met a better or more selfless person in their lives. One part Jimmy Stewart, one part Johnny Carson, one part John Wayne...he was the inspiration and rock of our family. His life lessons and examples of faith, love, support, humor, positivity, selflessness, and devotion will live on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jimmy was predeceased by his wife, Elaine, parents and five siblings. He is survived by his son Jim Hatch, Jr. and his wife Beverly Dorroh of Kerrville, daughter Susan Petticrew of Georgetown, daughter Bettie Anne Buerk and her husband Tom Buerk of Spicewood, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.