Long-time ODU Mathematics Prof Dies at 83

March 18, 2015

James Louis Hatfield, who taught mathematics at Old Dominion from 1956 to 1989, died Feb. 26 in Virginia Beach. Hatfield, 83, had battled Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Norfolk, Hatfield was salutatorian of Granby High School, Class of '48. He received an associate degree from the College of William and Mary in 1950 and a bachelor's in mathematics from the University of Virginia in 1952. That year, Hatfield was inducted into the Phi Betta Kappa academic honor society.

Hatfield received his master's from U.Va. in 1955 and began teaching at ODU the following year. After retiring from ODU in 1989, Hatfield continued his teaching career at Tidewater Community College until 1995.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Sherry B. Hatfield, his daughter Annah Vaughn Hatfield and a grandson Carter Huff, all of Virginia Beach.

A private service will be held at a later date, according to Woodlawn Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home.