Charles James Hiatt, Jr.

Charles James Hiatt Jr. (Jim) of Raleigh, N.C. died Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Parkwood Village in Wilson, NC, at 87 years of age. He was born on October 13,1937 in High Point, N.C. as the only child of Charles James Hiatt Sr and his wife Jessie Royals Hiatt.

Jim was a graduate of High Point University and worked for the North Carolina State Employment Security Commission until he retired in 1996.

Jim was predeceased in death by, Mae Van Hiatt (Zett) his loving wife. They married on September 8, 1962. The couple not only shared their wedding anniversaries, but also their birthdays as they both were born in the same hospital on the same day and year.

Jim was an avid reader, loved music and tennis and was an avid Duke Blue Devil fan. He loved traveling with his beloved wife Mae Van and family, enjoying trips to Europe, Caribbean, major US cities, and their favorite destination Hawaii multiple times. He loved the beach, science, and all things nature with a particular interest in duck decoys, space exploration, intelligence, espionage and counterintelligence, and American History particularly World War II.

He was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could ever have, and we will all miss him, but will feel his giving, caring spirit and wisdom forever. Jim is survived by twin daughters, Dawn Renee Rathge and husband Steven, Cherie Dara Taylor and husband Earl. Jim enjoyed two grandsons, twin brothers, Charles Jacob Taylor (Jake) and Joseph Lucas Taylor (Luke) and three granddaughters Anne Miller Royals Taylor, Alyson Nicole (Rathge) and husband Kevin Indenbaum, Morgan Leigh (Rathge) Vohlers. He also enjoyed four great grandchildren, Emma Marie, and William Arthur Indenbaum: Thomas Edward, and Elliott Raymond Vohlers. Jim is survived by his special brother-in-law, Mires Zett, Jr., and his wife Brenda of Deland, FL.Memorial gifts in honor of Jim may be given to the American Cancer Society, Second Chance Pet Adoptions, or a charity of your choice.