HAYDEN, James Lee

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, January 28, 2015 James Lee Hayden was born on June 19, 1932, and passed away Jan. 18, 2015, after losing his battle with brain cancer. James was raised in Portland, Ore., and graduated in 1950 from 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 Sonoran Desert. He and Sandra were married in 1953 and made a good life together. They were married nearly 62 years. For more than 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 Arizona and could direct people to places as well as 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 locomotives. 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; daughters, Jacque Nguyen and Jill Moore(Billy); grandchildren, Elizabeth Nguyen, Jonathan Nguyen and Katherine Morton(Samuel); great-grandchildren Daniel, Anastasia and Eloise Morton; and his brother Chuck (Kat) Baker. A private graveside service has been held, but a “Life Celebration” service is to be announced. Family and friends can offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory.