Faye, along with her three beloved children, Angie, Jim, and Lisa, deeply mourns the loss of Jim Hatfield, a cherished husband and father.
Jim Hatfield was a respected figure in college basketball. He was best known for his role as an assistant coach for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team.
During his tenure at Kentucky, he helped the Wildcats achieve significant success.
This includes a standout 1983-84 season where the team posted a 29-5 record, won an SEC title, advanced to the Final Four, and so on.
Jim Hatfield Moved To Lexington With His Wife, Faye, After Retiring From Coaching!
Jim Hatfield’s love for basketball began in his youth. He played college basketball and developed a deep understanding of the game.
His career included two separate tenures as an assistant coach at Kentucky.
During these periods, he played a significant role in the Wildcats’ success during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He was part of the coaching staff that led Kentucky to the 1978 NCAA National Championship.
Beyond his time at Kentucky, Hatfield had a notable coaching career.
He left the UK in 1975 to become head coach at Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette).
During his time there, he rebuilt the program after it had been hit with NCAA sanctions.
This led the Ragin’ Cajuns to a 47-34 record over three seasons, including a Southland Conference championship in 1976-77.
He later served as head coach at Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference from 1978 to 1981.
Likewise, he also served at Hardin-Simmons for two seasons before returning to Kentucky in 1983.
In 1985, he retired from coaching and took on the role of athletic director at the University of the Virgin Islands.
This move connected him and allowed him to continue contributing to the sport in a different capacity.
After his time in the Virgin Islands, Hatfield moved back to Lexington with his wife, Faye.
Jim Hatfield’s Journey From A Passionate Player To A Respected Coach Ends At 81!
Tragically, Hatfield passed away on February 26, 2025, at 81, following a brief illness.
According to some sources, Jim was admitted to the ICU at Baptist Health due to serious heart failure, which was his third time experiencing such a condition.
Additionally, it was reported that he was in an Arctic wrap to mitigate the risk of brain damage.
The Fonz told me about him today. Shirley and I will be praying for him. My brother in law, Coach Jim Hatfield is in ICU at Baptist Health, Serious heart failure…revived twice…now in Arctic wrap to fight off brain damage! Jim Wright, Winchester,KY.
— James Wright (@Dundee2724) February 22, 2025
On February 26, 2025, another post announced that Jim had passed away. It was said that he fought very hard and is now in a better place.
Thanks pro, sadly Jim passed away overnight. He had been moved to hospice care. He fought a hard fight and now is in a much better place! Thanks for your prayers.
Jim Hatfield’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, especially on X.
The college basketball world, especially those associated with the University of Kentucky, mourned the loss of Jim Hatfield.
He was remembered as a respected figure in the sport and a former assistant coach under Joe B. Hall.
So sadden to hear that former UK asst Jim Hatfield has died. Jim first joined Joe B. Hall in 1972 before becoming head coach at Miss. State in 1970s. He later returned to UK and served on Joe Hall’s last staff in 1985. Jim was as down to earth as anyone. Great friend. He was 81.
— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) February 26, 2025
His influence extended far beyond the court, shaping Kentucky’s success during a transformative period for the program.
He was remembered not only for his coaching achievements but also for his character, often described as a down-to-earth man by those who knew him.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jim was born on December 28, 1943, in Maryville, TN.
- He played at East Tennessee State in his college days.
- He had 8 grandchildren: Michael, Dylan, Grace, William, Jax, Preston, Andrew and Anna.
