James R. Hiatt

June 13, 1944 - April 4, 2022

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A private family service will be held in Brookville, IN.

James R. Hiatt, Jr., 77 of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 at his home. He was born June 13, 1944 to the late J. Russell Hiatt and Virginia (Hyde) Hiatt in Batesville, IN.

James graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and earned his master’s degree in education from Ball State University. He was an honorably discharged Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp.

James taught US History and Government at Lafayette Jefferson High School for 39 years before retiring in 2010. He served as president of the Lafayette Education Association, was a member of Indiana State Teachers Association and National Education Association during his teaching career.

He enjoyed pheasant and quail hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, big trucks, gardening, reading, antiques, his family, his family of pets over the years, and walking the beaches of Sanibel Island looking for seashells.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie L. Hiatt, daughter Jessica R. Hiatt (fiancé David M. Roe) of Rossville, sister Joyce L. Lane and niece Brianne J. Lane of Lafayette.

Donations in James’s memory may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America, Salvation Army and Almost Home Humane Society. A private family service will be held in Brookville, IN.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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A private family service will be held in Brookville, IN.

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James R. Hiatt, Jr., 77 of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 at his home. He was born June 13, 1944 to the late J. Russell Hiatt and Virginia (Hyde) Hiatt in Batesville, IN. James graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and earned his master’s degree in education from Ball State University. HeContinue Reading

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I remember his humor in History class, often overshadowed by his effort to maintain order. His stories were colorful and moving...always leading to a moment of reflection and education. He once opened a small desk drawer to show me a pile of my confiscated sketches and doodles, and I was always honored that he didn't throw them in the trash. I believe that we had a mutual respect for each other, and I'll miss him and his legendary fishing vest. Rest in peace...

Bonnie and Joyce, Dale and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. He was such a patriot and a fighter for good causes. We know that he will be sorely missed by you and your family. May God rest his soul and comfort your hearts. You are in our prayers. Blessings, Dale and Shanna Bradford :-)

Jim was one of the very good ones. A very kind, honest, genuine, gentle, loving friend and a loving family member. Of all of my memories of Jim and the fun times we had together, the one that stands out is the time we were going to cut fire wood at my log home in the country, however, a tremendous snow storm came, but that did not stop Jim. He drove through the snow and through the fields to appear at out "back door." No one had ever come to the "back door" but Jim. "Are we going to cut wood or what?" Jim said he would be there and he was. What a great guy. "Jim, I will miss you!" Love Mike and Debbie

Hello to Joyce--I'm sorry you've lost your brother. For a handful of years we taught together in the Social Studies Dept at Jeff, and I came to know and like him. I left teaching early on and did not know he had gone on to be so active in the teachers' associations, which I admire. It's brought to mind that I've had multiple connections with your family--first, it was your dad who hired me for teaching at Jeff (back in 1965), then getting to know you with the 1968 Germany trip, and then, Jim, at Jeff in the early 1970s. My wife, Gretchen, passed away in 2009, after a teaching career, as you may know, and I still live in the Skyline Ridge area off of Sawdust Road. Are you still on the other (east) side of 4th St.? Regards, Doug

Mr. Hiatt was such a unique man and memorable teacher in the best ways. My thoughts are with Jessica and his wife.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. We used to have a lot of fun attending various teacher related parties. Jim always had great stories. Tom and Cathy Walgamuth

Had Mr Hiatt at Jefferson, one of my best teachers!!!!!!!!! RIP Mr Hiatt

I had Mr. Hiatt at Sunnyside for history. Fun class. Good teacher.

Loved having Mr. Hiatt in the classroom. Great knowledge of content, funny and a great story teller. My prayers are with the Hiatt Family ! Kevin Sims Class of '75

My condolences to the family. Mr Hiatt was one of those great teachers that we always hear stories about. His government class was always a lesson in practical application, if you listened hard enough. He carried the strength, gruff demeanor everyday. Yet he always had time to greet students in the hallway. The day after I signed up with the Marines, I went to Mr Hiatts class and informed him of my decision. He softened a bit, just for a second, and stood while he shook my hand and congratulated me. I will never forget his expression while he did that. May he rest in peace. Semper Fi sir, we have the watch.

My deepest condolences to a great teaching family. His wife was my first grade teacher at Washington Elementary, and he was one of my favorite teachers at JHS. Prayers form my family to the Hiatt family in this difficult time.

My deepest sympathies to your family. Fond memories of Jim and can picture him in my mind wearing his “uniform “ of a vest daily.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I had the pleasure and honor to work with Jim at Jefferson High School for 23 years. I always appreciated his wisdom and kind manner and the stories he shared. He will be greatly missed by many.

I am sorry for your loss. He was an amazing teacher and I always enjoyed his class. He was great to talk too outside of class & always helpful in understanding if there was questions.

Great teacher and a great man. Taught me not just history but how to question and think. Was lucky that he did that for my son also. He will be missed by many.

My condolences to the Hiatt Family. MR Hiatt was one of my favorite teachers at JHS he made class fun with his stories about his life including in his lessons he was a great teacher he will be missed. RIP Mr Hiatt

In memory of James R. Hiatt, Jeffery Galey lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Rest In Peace Mr. Hiatt. Good memories of being in your US History class in 1983. You were one of kind!!! Sincerely Wanda Fleming

Bonnie and Jessica, please accept my condolences. Working with Jim for 21 years was such a pleasure. Jim often shared stories of his Vietnam experiences and his love for his dogs and hunting quail. I remember the fear we all had in the Social Studies Department the morning we heard of Jim's motorcycle accident. Our prayers were answered when we heard he'd be ok. We were blessed having many more years with him. I hope you both will find peace knowing Jim had a life well-lived, served the students at JHS with his historical knowledge, and had people who respected and admired him. I know I did. Peace be with you!

I dont remember most teachers but Mr. haitt was one I can never forget. History books will tell you alot but Mr hiatt had a way of bringing things to life. His Vietnam story's will forever be with me. He once told us about a 26 ft. Snake he hit with the butt of his rifle and it felt like hitting a semi tire. I loved that story. I wish I could have known him as an adult and just talked to him. His memory will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all his students. He will be missed.

My condolences, he was a great teacher and am honor to be one of his students. I remember he always had story’s and always took the time to help you in class. I will always remember him. May he rest peacefully?

You were one of my favorite teachers in the early 2000’s thank you for what you have done for all your students and especially for me. Rest In Peace

Rest In Peace Jim your in a better place no pain??????

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.