James ''Jim'' C. Hathorn

Jim was born in Memphis, TN where he attended elementary and high school. He was later an engineering student at Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

Preceding Jim in death were his father, William Hathorn and mother, Ruth Pomery Hathorn. Mr. Hathorn is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margery Hathorn; his daughter, Laurie Novak and her husband, Joe Novak and grandsons Christopher and Alex of Ashburn, VA; his sister, Jane Richards and brother-in-law, Ed Richards of Richmond, TX. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Marguerite Seabough and brother-in-law, Ed Seabough of Asheville, brother-in-law, Bill Seabough and sister-in-law, Julie Seabough of Lafayette, LA and his beloved nephew, Jerry Peel and his wife, Gail of Atlanta, GA.

Following 31/2 years in the Air Force, Mr. Hathorn went to Washington University in St. Louis, MO, then worked on the Mercury Space Capsule Program at McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Company in St. Louis. Then began Jim's 31 year career with the Central Intelligence Agency. During those years, Mr. Hathorn and his family lived in a number of places around the world ending with the last 20 years served at the CIA Headquarters at McLean, VA. During those years, Mr. Hathorn received CIA medals for Exceptional Performance, Honorable Service and the rare medal, Career Achievement.

While living in the Washington, DC area, Mr. Hathorn served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Sterling, VA Volunteer Fire Dept. Here in Asheville, Mr. Hathorn served on the Boards of Meals on Wheels and the Reynolds Fire Dept. He also was a volunteer with the Asheville Police Dept. Handicapped Parking Enforcement.

Jim Hathorn was a much loved member of Covenant Community United Methodist Church where he served faithfully on the Media Team. Recently Mr. Hathorn received the Laity Service Award presented at the Southeastern District Laity Conference at Lake Junaluska Methodist Conference Center. The memorial service for James Hathorn will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday morning, October 9, 2001 at Covenant Community United Methodist Church with Ministers Buzz Scott, Kelly Crissman and Beth Crissman officiating. Music will be provided by Melody Galloway and John Barden. Also assisting will be the Reynolds Fire Dept. along with the Buncombe County Fireman's Association Honor Guard. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Rd. is making arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to: the Media Fund, Covenant Community United Methodist Church, 11 Rocket Dr., Asheville, NC 28803; Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 16, Asheville, NC 28802, or the Buncombe County Fireman's Association Honor Guard @ Skyland Fire Dept., PO Box 640, Skyland, NC 28776.