James Allen Hathaway

James “Jim” Allen Hathaway, a man with an endless passion for helping his family and friends, went to be with the Lord March 10, 2023. Jim, 72, of Charlotte was born September 15, 1950, in Chester, Illinois to Harry Hathaway and Cindy (Farmer) Hathaway. He experienced a difficult childhood when his parents died when he was very young, and Jim had to move in with his older siblings. Jim married Norma (Jeannie) Miller on July 12, 1974, and the two enjoyed 37 years of marriage together. Jim retired as a welder from Planet Corp. and maintained employment as a painter, working with his grandson Nick Harp for many years. Nick would remark that he could work circles around the younger workers.
Jim had a passion for many things. He was always helping fix cars, whether they were his or a family member’s. He was known as the “family fix it person,” always available to solve a problem. When called to help fix something or figure out a problem he usually responded, “Give me a minute I’ll be right there.” It didn’t matter whether it was a family member, friend, or stranger, he was willing to help. His spare time was spent hunting or going to local car shows. Probably his favorite pastime was watching WWE Wrestling with his great-grandchildren. He would do almost anything for those great-grandchildren including being their “taxi” to and from school or other events. His family remembers Jim as an adventurous spirit who ziplined for the first time at age 65, and in spite of his fear of water, went sailing on the East Coast. There were also great family memories when he joined his large family on a trip to Orlando with his kids and grandkids.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Tina (Brian) Bateman, and Tammy Sharrock; sons, Timothy (Trina) Imes and Stanley Chaffee; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean (Miller) Hathaway; sisters, Mabel Buford, Beverly Little, and Helen Cadwallader, Dean (AJ) Hoffman, Erma Sellars, Rosemary Harden, and Shirley Little; brother Raymond Hathaway, and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was 10:00 a.m. to Noon Friday, March 17th, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services followed at Noon on Friday, March 17 at Pray Funeral Home Charlotte with Rev Terry LaDuke officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on James tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In keeping with Jim’s helpful nature desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.