James Allen (Sonny) Hatcher, 79, of Union Springs Community of Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. He was born May 7, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana to James V. Hatcher and Feriene N. Powell Hatcher. Sonny grew up in Union Springs, Louisiana and served 4 years as a member of Army National Guard. He served 7 years in USAF. He retired from AT&T. Known to many as Papa Jim, Sonny and Joy for years were devoted foster parents. But his passion was writing and playing his music and years of being an AT&T pioneer clown. Sonny touched many lives. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother, Earnest Ray (Tootle) Hatcher. He was survived by his wife, Joyce Bates Hatcher; sister, Elizabeth M. Moore and husband Bob of Brownsville, Texas; brother, Leo R. (Buster) Hatcher and wife Zella of Grand Cane, Louisiana and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and foster children. Serving as pallbearers are Bobby Moore, Trey Moore, James Harmon, Delea Hatcher, Ray Moore and Rick Pharris. A visitation was held from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church. Funeral services were at 12:30 PM where Reverend Chucky Clark officiated. Burial followed at Union Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to a favorite charity in Sonny’s name.