James Herbert Hatt

James Herbert Hatt was born March 6, 1942 in Bangor,Maine to Fred Austin and Ada Ann (King) Hatt. He passed away after a short illness at the Healthplex Regional Hospital in Norman, July 6, 2022.

After graduating high school at East Millinocket, Maine in 1960, he enlisted into the United States Air Force in August. During his tour in Vietnam from 1967-1968, he was serving as a combat news reporter and information specialist at the 7th Air Force Headquarters on Tan Son Nhut Air Base. He flew 40 combat missions and won the Air Medal for his aerial achievement. He flew in many types of USAF aircraft in the combat zone, including small, propeller-drover O-1 Bird Dog spotter planes, C-123 and C-130 transports, C-7A Caribous and supersonic F-100 Super Sabre jet fighters to report air operations in Southeast Asia. He also accompanied US and allied land forces time and again on search and destroy operations to provide news coverage of USAF air support from the ground. He was presented the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Force Medal, and a special plaque at the US Seventh Air Force Headquarters. Throughout his career tenure, he served at New Hampshire, Washington State, Massachusetts and Nebraska with two assignments at Tinker AFB. He had two assignments overseas at Incirlik AFB in Turkey and Ramstein AFB in Germany. He retired in 1984 after 24 yrs service; then civil service for 13 years. On February 14, 2003, Jim was united in marriage to Stacey Clark Nikkel and they made their home in Blanchard for 11 years. After Stacey retired, they moved to Norman to be closer to family.

Jim had a love of reading and music but his passion was sports. He was a life-long passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and OU Sports, especially football, basketball, baseball and softball. He played basketball and baseball from high school on through Intramural Leagues in the military.

Survivors include his wife, Stacey Hatt of the home; two daughters, Terri Craft and husband Steve of Midwest City, and Michele Reinke and husband Chris of Choctaw; two sons, James Hatt Jr. of Choctaw, and Ryan Hatt and wife Karla of Rocky Point, New York; five grandsons, Cameron, Taylor, and Jon Craft; Brady and Reece Reinke; three granddaughters, Drew Reinke; and Taylor and Madison Hatt; and four great-grandchildren, Mayson, Britton, and Madilyn Craft; and Raylan Craft.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Jeffrey; 2 brothers, Donald and Dwinal Hatt; 4 sisters, Alice Page, Shirley Standley, Donna Staples, and Sandra Baldry.