REVISED SERVICE TIMES:
James Allen Hattabaugh of Booth, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday January 29, 2023 in Booth, Arkansas surrounded by his wife and loving family. James was born May 29, 1965 to Jerry Lee and Zelia Marie (Dickens) Hattabaugh in Fort Smith, Arkansas. James was 57 years old.
As a Hattabaugh boy growing up in Elm Park, James knew the meaning of hard work from the time he could walk. He drove dump trucks and worked on vehicles as a teenager to help the family business and was born with a “can do” attitude that inspired others throughout his life.
James was a talented athlete and excelled in basketball, baseball, and football, graduating from Mansfield High in 1983.
His early experiences in the workforce, his athletic discipline, and his natural affinity for mechanics led him to found two successful businesses:
James Hattabaugh Logging and the Boothe Hill Saw Mill.
These businesses, the people they employed, and their impact on the region resulted from a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice alongside his number one best partner in life, his beloved wife, Carrie.
James and Carrie married in 1990, starting their life in a home with a tiny carport that often had a rig parked under it with the motor pulled out. They started their journey to success with a dump truck, a log truck, and a lot of love and determination.
James cared deeply for the men he worked with. He was a true mentor and friend to everyone he worked with, and his generosity was legendary. James was happy whenever he could invest in people and gave to others with exceptional kindness, expecting nothing in return. He was a giver, not a taker, and he gave everything from truck parts to gasoline, money to second chances to the people he believed in.
For decades, James’ shop was filled with people who adored him and couldn’t get enough of his stories and company.
But as much as he loved time with “the guys,” the true joy of his life was his family. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He prided himself on being the “Best Papa” and loved spoiling his granddaughters and his little great-grandson. It was a family fact that all you had to do to get your biggest wish was tell Papa. And any time he gave his grands their hearts’ desires, he’d jokingly ask, “Who’s the Best Papa in the world?” They all knew the answer.
He loved to take his granddaughters “boodden boodden,” and they all knew that meant a buggy ride with Papa to check the cows and cross the creek.
When James got his cancer diagnosis, Carrie suggested they travel and vacation together, but James sweetly replied, “Can’t, Mom, there’s work to do around the place.” He wanted to be home, to improve his land, and to take care of business, even then – An admirable response from a man who worked hard all his life.
His cancer inspired everyone around him to cherish every moment with their favorite man. This summer, the Hattabaugh family took an epic trip to the beach, deep sea fishing, and building sandcastles and precious memories with each other. This year he welcomed new grandbabies into the family and loved getting to know them. He held hands with his girls, now mommas themselves, just like he loved to do when they were little. And he made sure his Carrie knew how much he truly loved her.
This year too, James gave his heart to the Lord and gave his testimony every chance he got. In hospitals and with friends, he shared the glory of salvation with anyone who would listen. His family saw him shine, and his hope in Jesus overshadowed the fear and pain he surely felt. James never complained. He took on every challenge, test, and treatment like the “I can do it” man he’s always been.
In the final days, he told his daughter Jasmine, “I’m not scared, baby, and I don’t want you to be scared either.” He squeezed her hand and said, “I’m going to heaven.”
James’ strong and faithful legacy will be remembered and carried on by his loved ones here on earth, all of whom know the moment he got to heaven; God put him straight to work. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.
James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Carrie (Graham) Hattabaugh, two daughters: Jasmine Smith and husband Phillip, of Greenwood, Arkansas and Misty Horn and husband Brian, of Waldron, Arkansas. His siblings: Paula Hattabaugh of Elm Park, Arkansas, Jerald Hattabaugh and wife Diana, of Mansfield, Arkansas and Jerry Don Hattabaugh of Mansfield, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his five grandchildren: Kayla McCutcheon and husband Ryan, of Greenwood, Arkansas, Brittnee Horn of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Taylor Horn of Waldron, Arkansas, Hattie Smith and Olivia Smith both of Greenwood, Arkansas and one great grandchild: Raiden McCutcheon of Greenwood, Arkansas.
James was preceded in death by his father Jerry Lee Hattabaugh.
James’ life celebration will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
James’ visitation will be on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
