On Saturday, August 8,
James "Jay" William Hatfield, Sr., passed away at 63.
A resident and active member of the Ruskin community for many years,
Jay spent his later years traveling to Central America,
where he made a home in Nicaragua.

Born in West Palm Beach,
Jay spent his early life in the Bahamas
developing a passion for the tropical lifestyle and fishing.
His hard-working demeanor drove him to the farms of
Central Florida as a teenager and eventually led him to
establish a successful fish farming business in Ruskin, Florida.
By the age of 40, he had traveled the Caribbean and Central America,
making many friends and becoming a regular visitor.
An imaginative entrepreneur, he had an ongoing list of
many ingenious and some downright hilarious ideas paired
with the contact list and work ethic to achieve.
His unique style, sense of humor, gentle heart and
humble demeanor were unforgettable.
His kind soul and vivacious spirit will continue
to inspire his family for generations to come.

Jay is endlessly loved and appreciated by his loving wife Evelyn,
children Tracy, James Jr., Jason, Jana, and Tawny;
grandchildren Alexis, Taylar, Lula, Haley, James III,
Madison, Kennedy, Trevor, Giovanni, Emily, Austin,
Cole, Caleb, Jacob, Landon; siblings Jeanette,
Larry and Joan; and so many more.

The family would like to thank everyone for their
out pours of love, kind words, and support.

Please join us for a memorial service
at the Elks Lodge,
1630 US Highway 41 in Ruskin on
Saturday August 15th from 12 to 3.