James "Arthur" Hatfield

James "Arthur" Hatfield,76, a master craftsman and musician, passed away on July 31, 2025, at his residence in Glasgow, Kentucky. Born on June 11, 1949, in Glasgow, Arthur led a life rich in passion, creativity, and dedication to his craft.

Arthur's career was marked by an impressive journey of self-employment that began with a focus on woodworking. For 25 years, he made cabinets and provided wood finishing services for Ray Jones Construction, earning a reputation for quality and diligence. Upon retiring from the construction industry, Arthur pursued his lifelong dream of crafting banjos, leading to the establishment of Hatfield Banjos. For over 30 years, he handcrafted exquisite banjos that not only brought him joy but were played by artists around the world, solidifying his legacy in the bluegrass community.

An accomplished musician himself, Arthur's love for music complemented his craftsmanship. He played the banjo and various other instruments throughout his life, performing with numerous bands. His notable collaborations included playing with the New Sounds of Bluegrass alongside Larry Lawrence and Jimmy Dickerson, and performing across the U.S. and Canada as part of Carl Story's Rambling Mountaineers. In his later years, he was a cherished member of Buck Creek, as well as taking on freelance work where he showcased his proficiency on the fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, and, of course, the banjo.

Arthur's contributions to the folk and bluegrass music scene were recognized when he received the Homer Ledford Award from the Kentucky Folklife Program, an honor that exemplified his lifelong commitment to the art of music and craftsmanship.

He is survived by his beloved family, including his sons Tony Wood (Tabitha) and Eddie Paul Wood (Tammy), and his daughter Kristy Smith (Kenneth). Arthur cherished his grandchildren, who include Shady Wood, Johnny Dale Wood, Lacey Wood, Brayden Wood (Madison), Kelsey Rich, Ty Rich, Jacksyn Wood, Konagher Smith (Ashley), Bruce Blakenship (Heather), Kory Dean Smith, and Nicholas Smith. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Tatum Wood, Sawyer Wood, Elainna Shockley, Dawson Smith, Lincoln Smith, Jacob Wilson, Makayla Blankenship, and Brandee Blankship.

Arthur’s family also includes half-siblings Mildred Davidson (Larry), Vickie Morgan, Betty Martin (Philip), Rita Francis, Troy Lee Rupe, along with special cousins William "Billy" S. Hatfield (Patty) and Kenneth Harold Hatfield (Julie). Religious in his friendships and connections, he leaves behind dear friends Gary Minor (Kathy) and Donna Hester, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him deeply.

He is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Hatfield, mother, Donella Mae Tibbs Rupe, his loving wife, Beverly Stinnett-Hatfield; half-brothers William Herbert Hatfield (Rhonda), half-sisters Elaine Moore and Nora Rupe Brown; and many relatives, including aunts and uncles who have shaped his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music.

The funeral service for Mr. Hatfield will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, August 4, 2025, at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home with burial to follow at the Hatfield Family Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM, and on Monday morning until time for the service at the funeral home.

James "Arthur" Hatfield's legacy will continue to resonate through the countless banjos he crafted and the music he shared, forever cherished by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.