John "Jay" Nye Hatfield Iii

John "Jay" Nye Hatfield III, 67, of Long Valley, NJ passed away suddenly at Hackettstown Medical Center on May 27, 2020 with his loving family by his side.
Jay was born on January 6, 1953 in Philadelphia, PA to the late John Nye Hatfield II and Eva Geraldine (nee: Dalton) Hatfield.
Jay married the love of his life, Gail Susanne Carpenter, on May 17, 1975 having met when Jay moved into her neighborhood at 17 years old. Previously residing in Cherry Hill and Randolph, he and Gail moved to Long Valley in 1975 where they raised their 2 children. Jay was employed in the plastics engineering field working for Evonik for over 30 years, and RoNetCo after his retirement in 2011, which he enjoyed immensely for the line of work he did, and the people he worked with. He was a man of many talents and interests. Jay has always enjoyed music, playing the guitar and harmonica. He also loved photography, and took beautiful pictures when he and Gail travelled the world together. Recently they took a trip to Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and Jay said it was the best vacation he had even been on. He loved to fish, and shared that love with his grandchildren whenever possible. He loved the Jersey Shore, and made fond memories with Gail and his family on their boat "Knot Home" at Wehrlen Brothers Marina. His love of the outdoors was evident with his involvement with the Boy Scouts, and his camping trips and fish and game projects with Scouts were dear to his heart. He was a member of the Long Valley Power Boat Squadron where he held an officers position, and performed vessel inspections for the squadron. He was a ham radio enthusiast, and a member of the Lake Hopatcong Ham Radio Club. Jay enjoyed speaking to other people over the radio all of the country from his "Ham Shed" outside. He was a member of the National Parks society, and the National Audubon society, and was an avid birdwatcher. Jay loved to share his knowledge of the outdoors with his grandchildren, as well as flying his drone and exploring areas around him with them. He was lovingly known as Boompa, and took pride in cooking for them, always trying new recipes. Jay was a spiritual man who attended Quaker private schools, and expanded his theology to the Methodist and Presbyterian churches after marriage. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Gail S. Hatfield, his loving children; daughter, Kelly Cross and her husband Jonathan, son, Kyle Hatfield and his wife Amy and his cherished grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Emma, Hailey, Lily and Hunter. He also leaves behind his brother Todd Hatfield and his wife Christine, and his half-sister Anne Hatfield Abraham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jay's name to the National Parks Foundation, at nationalparks.org Due to public gathering restrictions, a memorial service celebrating Jay's life will be held at a later date. For those who knew and loved Jay, you are encouraged to share a message, memory or story with the family on the Tribute Wall. Your comments are comforting and supporting for those who are grieving in emotionally sad and distressing times.