Salem – James R. Hathaway was born in Philomath, Oregon, and graduated from Halsey High School. He graduated from Oregon State College in Corvallis with a BS degree in agriculture. He married Rita Harris from Cove, Oregon in 1942.
During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army 9th Air Force, Troup Carrier Command, 92nd Squadron in the European Theater of Operations.
He taught school at Perrydale and Enterprise then had numerous jobs selling farm equipment, feed and seed, and had a landscape and nursery business. He was groundsman at the State TB Hospital, worked for the Oregon Traffic Safety Commission, then with the Department of Education in pupil transportation where he developed a school bus inspection standards and training program for school bus drivers.
In retirement he enjoyed traveling in the RV and going on cruises. He was active on many committees in Salemtowne and enjoyed gardening and golfing.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Hathaway, son Steve Hathaway of Wilsonville; daughters: Carol Poe of Seaside; Nancy Hathaway of West Lafayette, Indiana and Joy Soderquist of Boise, Idaho, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral. In his memory, take a walk in the woods, enjoy the flowers and think of him. Donations in Memory of Jim Hathaway may be sent to the OHSU Foundation 1121 SW Salmon Street Suite 200, Portland, OR 97205.
Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.