Captain James Michael Hathaway, 52, died March 8, 2024, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on May 26, 1971, in Muncie, Indiana, the son of Jimmy A. and Connie S. (Rice) Hathaway. James graduated from Muncie Southside High School in 1989 and attended Ball State University. On November 11, 2022, he married Christina K. Hayden.

James served his community as a firefighter with the City of Muncie Fire Department for 19 years and was a member of Muncie Firefighters Local #1348. During his career, he responded to more than 5,000 calls. He previously worked for Muncie Reception Diagnostic Center and Indiana State Prison in Pendleton.

He was an avid Raiders fan and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, racing, fishing, and playing his electric guitar. He loved his four fur babies, Jordyn, Jazmyn, Sullivan, and Xena.

Surviving are his wife, Christina K. Hathaway; six children, Whitney, Cailey, Jacob (Jasmine), Amber, Ashley, and Mackenzie; his parents, Jimmy and Connie S. Hathaway; his grandmother, Alberta Green; grandchildren, Aden, Jaxon, Sorren, Hudson, Hendrix, Lincoln, Haizly, and Breeah; his brother, Gregory Hathaway (Connie M.); his sister, Jennifer Hathaway; his mother-in-law, Kathy Lynn; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends, Troy Dulaney and Mike Hill (Chrissy); and many special brothers and sisters with the Muncie Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev. Lewis A. Hathaway and Joan Hathaway, Boss Rice, and Hazel Rice; and his beloved boxer, Josie.

He loved his career as a Muncie firefighter and was remembered as a hometown hero.