James Clifton Tatum, Jim, Dr. Tatum, Verbatim Tatum, Dad, Papa was born January 8, 1935, in El Dorado, Arkansas. His grandparents raised him in a fun and loving home. At 18 he joined the Navy and saw the world while he served on the aircraft carriers Bennington and the Coral Sea. He loved this time - he matured, saw how other people lived, enjoyed the differences in lands and people.

After discharge, he used the GI Bill to obtain a forestry degree from the university in Monticello. For a few years he enjoyed working in the timber industry around south Arkansas. He decided a business degree would be beneficial, so he obtained an MBA at Louisiana Tech. During this time, he observed how university professors lived - it seemed a good way to make a living. Arkansas State University offered a teaching position and he taught there a few years. During this time, he and Sharon married.

When Henderson State University offered a position, they moved to Arkadelphia. Their precious daughter Mika Leigh was born, and life was never the same! While teaching at HSU, he obtained his doctorate at Mississippi State. At 65, he retired from HSU.

Jim and Sue have been married 23 years.... enjoying travels, adventures, and each other. Life was never boring.

He adored Mika, his sunshine, and was thrilled when Mika and Joe Kusar married. His grandsons, Cole and Tatum Kusar added to his joy.

Jim loved the Gulf coast beaches, Arkansas rivers and forests. He enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and sitting on the porch telling stories. He loved to drink rum and coke and wine. His life was full of laughter and great memories.

He has inspired many students and friends to enjoy life and work. He never sat back to await the next thing.... he made the next thing happen.