James Eric Hastings Sr.'s Obituary
On the morning of February 12, 2015, James Eric Hastings Sr. passed away at his home, while in the company of his wife of over 44 years, Susan Hastings. Jim was born on August 13, 1946 and lived in Reno, Nevada, until he was 16. He then moved to Fort Worth, Texas with his parents and graduated from L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. He attended Snow College in Utah before serving a 2-year mission for his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Alberta, Canada mission. Soon after he returned from serving his mission, he married Susan Wright in the Salt Lake temple on March 27, 1970. They raised 4 children, who in turn all married and gave them 9 grandchildren. Jim is survived by all of his children and their families – James Eric Hastings Jr., his wife, Cheryl Marie Hastings and their children – Zoe, Hanna, Tristan, Ruby, and Olive; Nicholas Christopher Hastings, his wife, Katherine Grinsfelder Hastings, and their children – Madeline, Samuel, and Henry; Kathryn Hastings Priest, her husband, Jerry Wayne Priest, and their son, Oliver; and Jessica Hastings Williams and her husband, Nathan Thomas Williams. He is also survived by his 2 brothers, Robert and Kevin Hastings. Jim loved his family and relished the time that he was able to spend with them. He always took the time to get to know each child and grandchild on a personal basis. He worked hard to connect with each person and encourage them to achieve their goals. He also encouraged his family to always work together as a team, love one another, and spend time together. He was happiest when surrounded by his family, which happily, was very often. Jim not only loved his family, but he loved his friends, and loved to meet new people. Gregarious by nature, Jim was outgoing and enjoyed talking and laughing with others. Whether it was a friend that he had known for years, or the sales clerk that was helping him at a store, he went out of his way to talk to them. He always loved a good story, whether he was telling them or listening to them, and had a great sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make others laugh, as well. His friendly nature and his love of working hard helped him throughout his life as a salesman for the furniture factories that he represented for over 30 years. A man of impeccable taste, he delighted in quality, beauty and craftsmanship – not only in furniture, but in art, food, cars, nature and life. He loved his professional working life and he enjoyed working in the service of others. He also strived to always show others that they mattered and that he cared for them. This particular quality helped him when he served as a bishop in his church for over 6 years. As a bishop, he took his responsibilities and the people that he met and counseled with seriously. He was discreet and always looked for the best way to serve those of his congregation. He listened with an open mind and a loving heart. He always tried to set everyone up for success and didn’t back away from difficult topics. He protected those that needed protection and he rooted for those that needed the extra support. He worked to lift up others and by doing so, helped make himself a better man. Jim will be remembered as a kind, friendly, and gracious man, who truly loved the Gospel, his wife, his family, and his life. He felt Christ’s love for him and always tried to help those around him feel that love, as well. Our family would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude towards the doctors and other medical professionals that have helped Jim through all of his surgeries and recoveries in the last few years. In particular, we would like to thank his primary care doctor, Dr. Ranier Khetan for all of his help, support and love. We couldn’t have asked for a better doctor. He was truly a blessing in Jim’s life. James’ family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, February 16, 2015 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral service for James will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10701 E Lake Highlands Dr. Dallas, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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