James Mitchell Hiatt, of Excelsior Springs, MO passed away on September 24, 2023, at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer. He was born March 24, 1967, in Kansas City, MO. James dedicated his life to the Lord in 1975 and was baptized the same year. He worked as a Senior CAD Engineer for 29 years.

James spent many of his formative years in Excelsior Springs where he gained a passion for the outdoors and an appreciation of the value of hard work. His family instilled in him a good manner, a sense of duty, and a strong Christian ethic that would stay with him the rest of his life.
In 1992, James met the love of his life Joni. James and Joni hit it off over a game of pool at their local spot... and before you knew it, they were inseparable. They were truly kindred spirits. The love they shared for each other was present everywhere and hung in the air like a warm and gentle glow. They shared a passion for fishing, food, movies, music, and family.

James proudly raised Joni's three sons as if they were his own. He instilled in them many of the virtues he was taught by his own family. The boys cherished his wisdom and guidance and continue to strive to his example every day.

James worked for many years in the semiconductor industry, with most of his time working at AMD. James many coworkers and friends would describe him as dedicated, hardworking, and loyal. James was proud of his professional accomplishments, contributing to the development of many patents and projects that have been used by millions of people.

His happy place was the beach with Joni at his side, good tunes and a fishing rod that was ready to catch the big one. His passion for fishing was as deep as the blue ocean he spent so much time dropping a line in. He was just as happy catching a whopper as he was watching his wife, or his boys catch one. James was also a nerd. His collection of Star Wars, Star Trek, and Stargate memorabilia rivaled that of the most dedicated collectors.

He was famous for his honesty, gentle teasing humor, quick wit, and capacious heart. When he smiled, you felt it, because he meant it. James will continue to cast a warm and loving shade over the members of his family who love him very much.  James was preceded in death by his father, his stepfather Cecil Etheridge, his grandparents, and his aunt.

He is survived by his mother Frances Kathleen Self, his wife Joan, his stepbrothers, and his stepsons Christopher Sacia and his wife Hannah, Zachary Preston and his wife Jessica, Keiffer Preston and his fiancée Melissa, and his step-grandson Dean Preston.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 7, 2023 at The Chapel of Ramsey Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Hardin officiating.

In addition to flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to the Samaritans Purse. James encountered the work of the Samaritans Purse in their efforts to relieve the hardships caused by the Wimberley floods of 2015 and Hurricane Harvey. Information about their mission and donations can be made at https://samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/about-us/

James is loved and will be missed by many.