James Hayden

James Lee Hayden was born on June 19, 1932, and passed away on January 18, 2014, after losing his battle with brain cancer. James was raised in Portland, Oregon and graduated in 1950 form Jefferson High School, because of living in close proximity to street cars and trains. He grew up with a great interest in how these things worked. He became very adept at figuring out the workings of all things mechanical. He joined the Navy right out of High School. Eventually he was trained as a flight deck jet mechanic and served as such during the Korean War. He received many ribbons and other recognition for his service during that time. While still in the Navy, he became stationed at Luke Air Force Base in the Arizona Desert. It was there that he met and fell in love with his beloved wife, Sandra. It was also there that he fell in love with the bright, sunny environs of the Sonora Desert. He and Sandra were married in 1953 and made a good life together. They were married nearly 62 years. For over 45 of those years, they lived in Circle City. During that time, James worked many years in Wickenburg and befriended many, in fact, it would be accurate to say that James had friends all over the state. He probably explored nearly every inch of this state and could direct people to places as good or better than a native. He was known to his family as an inventor type and could make something extraordinary out of what others might discard. Because of his gift, he helped a lot of people. His love for street cars and trains never diminished and he was always making treks to the train tracks near where he lived. He would even wave to personnel he could see riding in the engine cars. While he will be greatly missed, we know he is happy with the Lord and we will see our beloved James again in glory. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Lynn, his daughters, Jacque Nguyen and Jill Moore(and spouse Billy): his grandchildren, Elizabeth Nguyen, Jonathan Nguyen and Katherine Morton(Samuel); his great-grandchildren, Daniel, Anastasia and Eloise Morton; and finally, his brother an sister-in-law, Chuck and Kat Baker. A private graveside service has been held, but a "Life Celebration" service is to be announced.