James Hay Hiett, 68, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 2:32 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Mr. Hiett was born in Lima on May 14, 1944, to the late Don E. and Martha (Hay) Hiett. He married the former Jane E. Ewing on August 11, 1968, in Lima and she survives. Other survivors include children: Jami Marie Hiett of Bellefontaine and Jason Don (Katherine) Hiett of Loveland; 3 granddaughters Sarah Marie, Laura Katherine and Madalinne Jane Hiett. He was preceded in death by a sister, Myra Traxler.
Mr. Hiett received a Bachelor of Science degree from Otterbein College, attended Indiana University, and graduated from Ohio University with a Master’s degree. He taught for 32 years before he retired in 1998. He taught history for the majority of his career for the Bellefontaine City Schools. He was a life member of the National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, Western Ohio Education, and Bellefontaine Education Association.
Mr. Hiett attended the First United Methodist Church in Bellefontaine. He enjoyed working at the polls for the Logan County Board of Elections as well as a cashier at Mad River Mountain. One of James’ favorite hobbies was reading. He was an avid sports fan following all sports, especially baseball. He closely followed the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. James frequently attended Reds games with his family. He was a registered Ohio High School basketball official and officiated games in the West Central Ohio Area.
Funeral services will be at the Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine, on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ed Beale officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery on the corner of Hay and Amherst roads near Harrod.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Bellefontaine or the Logan County Libraries.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com.
