James W. Hathaway, Sr.

SIOUX CITY -- James W. Hathaway Sr., 72, of Sioux City died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at his residence.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the 185th Air Refueling Wing. Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 9 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Merrill Muller officiating, at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to meyerbroschapels.com.

Jim was born Feb. 24, 1937, in Sioux City, the son of Walter A. "Swede" and Nora I. (Dorhman) Hathaway. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Central High School. He joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years. After the service, he returned to Sioux City and drove a gravel truck.

He married M. Marilyn Lewis on July 7, 1961, in Sioux City. She died Feb. 18, 2007, in Sioux City.

Jim joined the Sioux City Fire Department on Jan. 16, 1964. He rose up through the ranks and became the fire chief. He served for several years as the fire chief and retired on March 16, 1986. At that time, he became the fire chief for the 185th Air National Guard. He was one of the first responders to the crash of United Flight 232. Following the crash of Flight 232, he traveled the world, teaching seminars about emergency response for airplane disasters. He assisted in the making of the movie about Flight 232 and became good friends with James Coburn. He served four six-month stints as a fire chief in Antarctica.

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign, the Masonic Lodge and the Rifle Association. He also was a member of the Retired Firefighters Association. He enjoyed fishing in Canada and building Harley motorcycles and go-carts in his basement. He and his wife loved to travel the world.

Survivors include a daughter, Brenda Wheelen of Sioux City; a son, James W. Hathaway Jr. of Sioux City; and seven grandchildren, Angela, Brandon, Levi, Codi, Tabatha, Austin and Dakota. Jim and Marilyn also helped raise Lila, Dara, and Rona, after their mother passed away.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a son, Gene.

Pallbearers will be members of the Sioux City Fire Department and the 185th Refueling Wing Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers will be Skeeter Detches, Bob Finley, Scott Trembly, Randy and Rusty Woods, Ron Keleher, Jeffrey McNaughton, Chris Bray, Mike Ruble, Dennis Dohrman, Ray Keuck, Vern Junge and Denny Hageman.

Memorials may be made in his name to Opportunities Unlimited in Sioux City.