James Hiatt

Dr. James Smith Hiatt, 76, of Exeter Township passed away Wednesday, December 8th at the Reading Hospital.

Jim was born in Newton, N.J., to Benjamin C. Hiatt and Margaret (Smith) Hiatt.  He grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where he attended Trinity Episcopal Church and Liberty High School, class of 1962.  He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1965.  He received a Master’s and a Doctorate Degree from Indiana University.  Jim taught Music Theory first at SUNY-Fredonia then taught for thirty years at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Towards the end of his career, Jim was given James Madison University’s ‘Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award for the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ for the 2006-2007 school year.  Jim was also a piano accompanist.  He enjoyed reading spiritual books and was a movie buff.

Jim is proceeded in death by his sister, Deborah Hiatt of Scottsdale, Arizona.  He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Ross of Exeter Township and his cousin, James Smith of Rodanthe, North Carolina.  A Memorial Service will be held at the Reading Quaker Meeting House at a later date.  Bean Funeral Home, Exeter Township is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.