Jamie Hatchette
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Jamie Hatchette, 60, passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2026. She was a devoted mother of three, loving grandmother, cherished partner, and passionate nursing professor whose life was defined by generosity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in others. Born on July 20, 1966, in St. Louis, MO, Jamie was the daughter of James and Donna Valentine. She loved teaching and mentoring her students as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies, where she helped shape future generations of nurses. Jamie graduated with her Registered Nursing degree from Avila University in 2005, and was a lifelong student herself, continuing on to earn her MBA and MSN degrees. She was actively pursuing her Doctor of Education degree and became an accomplished educator, receiving numerous awards and nominations including winning the Daisy Award in 2021-2022. Her dedication to her students extended far beyond the classroom, reflecting the same kindness and care she offered everyone in her life.
Above all, Jamie loved her family. She was her three daughters’ biggest supporter, and the person they could always call no matter what. She also delighted in her role as a doting grandmother and her grandchildren were the light of her life. Jamie also shared more than 13 years of life and love with her partner, building a home full of fur children and making cherished memories together. She loved books and Christmastime, and treasured family traditions, long conversations, laughter, and time spent together. A woman of deep Christian faith, she lived her beliefs through her generosity, acceptance, and commitment to help others. She also had an enormous heart for animals, and never met a creature she didn’t love. Jamie had a quirky spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a light that made people feel loved and believed in. She gave generously even when she had little herself, and made a lasting difference in the lives of her family, friends, students, colleagues, and countless others.
She is survived by her partner, Wade Tucker; her 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Caitlin & Chip Mezo, Cassidy Hatchette, and Caycee & Cameron Lazier; Her grandchildren, Bodhi & River Mezo and Amari Lazier; and her fur children and fur grandchildren, Finn, Ruby, Bing, Olive, Fig, Moss, Ginsburg, & Charlie. Her legacy lives on in the people she taught, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely.
A visitation followed by funeral services will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society: 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133. If you would like to send flower arrangements, please send to the address above.
Jamie was such an amazing professor. I loved being a part of her clinical and loved the way she would always advocate for us. I will forever cherish the moments we made with her and won’t ever forget the impact she made on me as a student.
Professor Hatchette was such an amazing person and educator. I credit my position in nursing to her! She was pivotal in creating direction and change within nursing to mental health. She was always so kind, and thoughtful in her approaches to teaching. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this time. She has been a true guiding light of joy, and strength and she will truly be missed!
I am blessed that Jamie was a dear friend of mine. She ministered often to my family when all of our babies were little. I so enjoyed ‘Mom-ing’ alongside her watching our children play and grow into beautiful, talented young adults and now having families of their own. She & I later enjoyed walking Finn & Trixie on various trails. Be encouraged, as we keep following Jesus, we WILL see Jamie again. God bless each of you. Philippians 4:8
Professor Hatchette was the epitome of nursing excellence. During my time at UMKC she was a known safe place for all students and a champion for the underrepresented and marginalized patient populations. She was someone you always knew was cheering you on! I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Praying for peace and comfort for her family and loved ones as I know she will be greatly missed and her loss felt deeply.
Professor Hatchette had such a positive impact for me in nursing school. She was someone who truly believed in me and my abilities to become a nurse. I always think of her, as a fellow OB nurse who often gets along best with the patients who are often a little more difficult or rough around the edges. She will be deeply and sincerely missed.
Girls and Wade I am truly heartbroken for you guys! Jamie was one very treasured friend and confident! I truly enjoyed all the fun weekend I had with you guys at the house on 3rd street. I remember them so foundly and wish for those day. I will forever miss my friend and maid of honor! We will keep you guys in our prayers as you navigate this terrible loss. Know that she is smiling down at you guys. She was so proud of you, loved you and did anything to make you happy. Lots of ❤️
Professor Hatchette left an indelible mark on me in nursing school. She was always so warm, welcoming, understanding, and filled with so much compassion. She has continued to care for her students even after they graduate, always rooting for us from the sidelines. My deepest condolences to Professor Hatchette’s family. May she rest in heavenly peace.
Dr. Hatchette was one of the sweetest professors I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from. While I didn’t know her for long, she was one of the most positive and easy to talk to people I’ve ever met. All of my classmates and I will miss her so so much.
I would not be where I am in my life and my career as a nurse without Professor Hatchette. She brought joy into every room she walked in to and I will carry some of her lessons with me through the rest of my life. Her family is in my prayers.
It’s hard to find the right words when someone is taken so unexpectedly. My heart is truly broken hearing about her passing. Nursing school is such a challenging journey, and the people who help us along the way leave a lasting impact on our lives. She wasn’t just a professor teaching us how to become nurses; she was part of our journey, helping us grow, learn, and believe in ourselves. It’s heartbreaking knowing she won’t be here to see all the lives she helped shape and the nurses we will become. I hope she knew just how much of a difference she made. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been one of her students. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and everyone who loved her. She will forever be a part of our nursing journey and will never be forgotten. ❤️🩺
Professor Hatchette was so much more than just a professor. She genuinely cared about her students and wanted to see each of us succeed. She took the time to get to know us, remembered the little things we shared with her, and always made an effort to check in. You could tell that her concern for us went far beyond the classroom. She truly cared about our futures and the nurses we would become. She made a lasting impact on so many of us, and I feel very fortunate to have had her as a professor. She will be deeply missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.
I was lucky enough to spend time with Jamie during her visits to Los Angeles. Jamie, Cassidy and I went on many fun adventures together, to the beach, hiking and visiting historic houses. There was never a dull moment with Jamie but above all she was everyone’s cheerleader. I’ll never forget how happy she was about my engagement and how she took the time to celebrate with me. It’s heartbreaking to have lost her this soon and to think of all of the times she will miss. I will cherish my memories with her forever.
I had known Jamie for quite a few years – first at MNU and then UMKC. She and I had exchanged phone numbers when she left MNU so we could stay in touch and she had been inviting me to come talk to her nursing students about interview skills since I am a nurse recruiter. It breaks my heart to hear she is no longer with us. I just saw her last Tuesday at the UMKC career fair advocating for her students and I am so glad I got my hug from her! She was such an inspiration and loved her students and wanted them to be successful. I do not know any other instructor that was like her and I will miss her. My condolences to her family and friends. May God bring you comfort and peace after this loss.
I’ve always had Jamie on a pedestal. What an amazing and beautiful person. She was one of my most favorite professors. We can all aspire to be more like her! Am deeply sad and so sorry to hear she has passed.
So grateful for the time and memories with Jamie! She and I shared mom duties and stories as our children were growing up together. The girls had a strong relationship with their fun mom. My heart is breaking for you all. Caitlin, Cassidy, and Caycee, our deepest sympathies, prayers and big hugs are with you. May the Lord guard your hearts and we will be grateful to be with you on Friday.
Much love to all.
Jamie welcomed me with loving arms as I formed a life-long friendship with Caitlin. Her fun sprirt and love for her beloved grandchildren is an inspiration! She’ll be missed beyond measure and the mark she made will be forever remembered and her legacy with continue in all she touched.
Jamie welcomed me with loving arms as I formed a life-long friendship with Caitlin. Her fun sprirt and love for her beloved grandchildren is an inspiration! She’ll be missed beyond measure and the mark she made will be forever remembered and her legacy will continue in all she touched.
I am deeply saddened by Jamie’s passing. She was a wonderful person, her spirit was so vibrant and beautiful. She inspired so many people and helped so many students and patients. To her family, my thoughts are with you.
Dear Neighbors,
I am so saddened to hear this shocking news. My heart goes out to you at this time of grief.
It is always such a delight to walk by or drive by the house and see such lovely flowers and decorations that I assume Jamie planned.
Professor Hatchette was always so cheerful and sweet, I had the honor of being in her class. She was the first professor I had that acknowledged my accomplishments and continued to do so. It made me feel like I was in the right path of my nursing journey. You will be missed and my deepest condolences to her family. Rest in heaven
Professor Hatchette was one of our biggest supporters in the nursing program. Through and through, she was in our corner – being an advocate. I will forever remember an email she sent me – telling me to never change and always be my loud self. I feel so blessed that I was able to see Jamie on the Wednesday before she passed. Jamie touched the lives of anyone and everyone she interacted with. She will forever be someone I look up to not only as a nurse, but a human being.
I will always remember you as a truly beautiful person. I am deeply grateful that I had the opportunity, even for a short time, to learn from you.I can never forget your warm heart and the encouragement you so generously gave, always putting your students first. Through your classes, you taught us the habit of living with gratitude each day, and for that I will remain thankful.A few weeks ago, during another afternoon class, you waited outside the room where I was studying and came in briefly just to encourage us. That is my last memory of you.You served others first, gave of yourself first, and led by example. Wherever you went, you left behind a fragrance of kindness and grace.I will remember you as a truly fragrant soul.Rest in peace, Professor. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
With gratitude and respect,
Su
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have learned from you. You always brought such positive energy into the classroom, and I will never forget how you reminded us to carry that same energy forward and share it with others. You taught us so much, not only through your lessons but also through the way you encouraged us to make a positive impact on the people around us. Thank you for everything you shared with us and for the lasting impact you have made on my life. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from you. You will be deeply missed, but the lessons you taught us and the positivity you inspired will continue to live on through all of us.
Sorry for your lost.
Where do I start Jamie was an amazing lady. I first got to know her when she rented the house next door to me in Lee’s Summit. The neighbors already living there are suppose to introduce themselves to the new neighbors. Not Jamie she came knocking on my door with her there guys with cookies wanting to say hi. By the way it was Christmas time and she loved that time of the year. Christmas won’t be the same without her. I am a blessed person to have had the opportunity to call her my dearest friend.
With all my love Angie Zeiler