Obituary of James M. Hatfield, Sr.

James M. Hatfield, Sr., age 85, of Eden, New York died in his home on Wednesday, November 25, 2015. James was born January 2, 1930 in Gowanda, New York; the son of Clayton and Anna (Mackmer) Hatfield. James attended a one room School House in Collins Center, NY where James said he received the finest education without any computers or electronic devices. He later graduated high school in Gowanda in 1948. James was one of the first graduates of Erie County Technical Institute, which is now known as Erie Community College. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 during the Korean War and served in Germany as a Corporal in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was happily married for 65 years to his college sweetheart Wanda H. Steeves. They were married on November 29, 1950 at West Avenue Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, New York. James was recently honored for 60 active years in the Masonic Lodge. He was given the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, which was awarded in the Fortune Masonic Lodge #788 F &AM in North Collins, New York, this award will be sealed and given to the Grand Lodge in New York City. He was known for playing the role of Santa Claus for many years for the North Collins Elementary School children. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending over 50 years managing a forest on his property. He enjoyed cutting and splitting wood, riding his six wheeler with his great grandson Ollie and his trips to the casino in Erie, PA. He spent much time with his devoted German Shepard; Lola. James is preceded in death by his parents, a brother George, a brother Clarence and a granddaughter Rachael Poole. He is survived by his wife, Wanda H. (Steeves) Hatfield; a son, Dr. James (Dr. Patricia) Hatfield, Jr. and two daughters; Deborah A. Yancey and Cynthia Koener. Also survived by 8 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 11:00AM in the Eden United Methodist Church, 2820 E. Church St., Eden, NY Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Pediatrics Unit at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Arrangements entrusted to the Laing Funeral Home. Inc., Eden, NY. Words of sympathy may be left on www.LaingFuneralHome.com