James "Jim" Thomas Hattaway

James “Jim” Thomas Hattaway was born in Meridian, Mississippi to OL Hattaway, Sr., and his wife Clara (nee Osborn) on September 12, 1946. After living a full life with his adoring family and many, many friends, he transitioned peacefully at home on January 8, 2026, at 79 years old. Jim obtained his bachelor’s degree from Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. He married his true love, Jacqueline (McAllister) on May 20, 1974, and they went on to welcome two daughters. He was the best “girl dad.” Jim was a lifelong public servant; after serving his country a la United States Army from 1964-1968, he secured over 30 years as a police officer and retired as a Detective from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. He went on to embrace a second career, that spanned nearly two decades, with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV); serving on multiple Boards, travelling to various conferences and Washington D.C. multiple times, and in 2017 was elected as the DAV Missouri State Commander. He enjoyed taking his family to Royals games during the reign of Brett, White, and Saberhagen, watching the Chiefs’ games (even during their questionable seasons), and palling around with his wife and their many companions at their local haunts. He further relished in the pleasures of lake life; boating, fishing, pulling his girls on floats behind the boat, jumping into the lake to “scare the fish” away for said girls, and embracing the calm of the summer nights under a plethora of stars with a cigar and some scotch. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Ararat Shrine, East Gate Masonic Lodge, York Right, Missouri Peace Officers Association, FOP Lodge 50. Regardless of his long days and nights as a police officer he tried at every opportunity to attend his daughters’ school and extracurricular functions or tell them good night and that he loves them and to say their prayers. He was truly thoughtful and would never take a moment to boast even though he had many reasons to. He brought calm to chaos and was a genuinely great human. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Jacqueline (McAllister), two daughters: Anastasia Colleen of Grain Valley, Missouri, and Stephanie Denise (Adam) of Raytown, Missouri. Two grandchildren: Ivy Isabella Anastasia and Augusten “Gus” James Mitchel. Five siblings: Stanley Hattaway (Cathy) of Scottsdale, Arizona, OL Hattaway, Jr. “Junior”, of Kansas City, Missouri, Becky Dunman (Wayne) of Vinton, Virginia, Debbie Martin (Wes) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Jim (Deb) Gothard of Aurora, Colorado. His brothers-in-law, David McAllister, Sam McAllister (Sharon); nephews Steven McAllister (Amanda), Trevor Hattaway (Hans), Yuri Martin, Travis Gothard; nieces Katie Ann (Kevin) Yockel, Holly McAllister, Heather (Jason) Mires, Anna Martin, Cynthia Dunman, Adrienne Gothard, their extended families, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Clara, father OL Hattaway, Sr., bonus mom, Trulie, and several good pals. At Jim’s request, there will be no services nor Celebration of Life. In honor of his loving spirit, we ask that you spread kindness, surround yourself with a wonderful tribe, and always seek to help those less fortunate. Memorial Donations may be made in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter #2, 14605 E US Hwy 40, Kansas City, MO 64136.

James "Jim" Thomas Hattaway

September 12, 1946 - January 8, 2026