James R Hayden's Obituary
James R Hayden, one of the few remaining WWII/Korean War combat veterans, ran out of Ammo and was presented with a beautiful pair of Angel Wings on Tuesday March 14, 2017.at 11:25 am
James fought his last battle while being transported from Tacoma General Hospital to his home by ambulance. His daughter Judy Gorley was by his side.
James was born in Fancy Farm Kentucky, November 2, 1925, He lived and grew up there until the age of eighteen years old, when he joined the Army.
Serving during WWII in Germany James earned the Bronze Star, Silver Star and Purple Heart. Wounded in combat in Germany James returned home to recover in hospital but returned to combat service during the Korean Conflict. While in Korea he was captured by North Korean Army and held captive for almost three years.
After being released as a POW he spent over a year recovering in hospital. James retired from the United States Army in 1963.
He was active in the community with his Church’s, Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Parkland and St Francis Cabrini Parish in Lakewood. James also enjoyed his time with the Tacoma Elks Lodge and enjoyed the occasional trips and adventures with his Daughters, a trip down the Oregon Coast, a cruise, and dinners out, casino visits, While James enjoyed watching every type of sports on television, he most enjoyed cheering for the Huskies, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Seahawks. “GO HAWKS”
James and his Wife Dorothy also owned and operated a Beauty Parlor in Parkland WA, and another in Lakewood where he was the Manager/Owner.
After the death of his wife, Dorothy in 1974, James remarried. He and his wife, Virginia lived in Las Vegas until Virginia passed away. Tammy & Judy then flew to Vegas, packed up his belongings and drove him back to Lakewood where he enjoyed living with Judy, Tammy and Tammy’s Husband Jeffery in their home. He was also very pleased to move his Sister Mary Mobyes here from Kentucky so they could live out the remainder of Mary’s life together. He loved her very much.
Until his health began to fail, James delighted in making daily trips to Tacoma Mall early for early morning walks and visits with good friends he met there -- Ray, Roy, John, John, Andy, and another gentleman he called the “Preacher.” Lynn. James’ family is forever in debt to these gentlemen for the friendship and caring they extended to him.
After his health began to fail James’ granddaughter Tammy Gorley Bernstein became his primary caregiver, constant companion, and a wonderful blessing to her grandfather.
James enjoyed receiving regular visits from his Great Great Grandkids, Mason, Aleah and Seth as well as his favorite Grand-dogs (when they escaped from next door) Cupcake and Patches and from longtime family friend, Ken Donner .
At the initiation of family friend, Ken Donner and Washington State House of Representatives Office of Linda Kochmar, James was honored with a special ceremony to honor his combat heroism by military officials from Lewis/McChord military base. At that ceremony James was belatedly presented with the three medals he earned for combat heroism 64 years earlier. The ceremony made local as well as national news and provided the recognition and military honors James so richly deserved.
That honor also carried on to the Washington State Capitol building in Olympia where he was honored by the House of Representatives, both the Democrats and Republicans while in session. He was greeted to a Standing ovation in both chambers.
James was preceded in death by his Father, John Elvis Hayden. Mother, Mary Elizabeth Hayden. Brothers Benny, Johnny & Norman Hayden and by his beloved sister, Mary Hayden.
James raised three wonderful daughters, Rita Ann Humphrey (deceased), Donna Monroe & Judy Gorley.
He has six Grandchildren,
Judy’s Daughter - Tammy Gorley Bernstein, (Husband, Jeffery Bernstein)
Donnas Kids – Jonathan L. Huntingford, Shaun Sanches Freitas, Tiffany McKenzie,
Devin Freitas & Jacob Nitzke.
Eight Great Grandchildren, Kyla, Jeremy, Shaun Jr, Jaden, William, David, Ginger & Estela.
Nine Great Great Grandchildren.
Thank you MSG James R. Hayden, U.S. Army, Retired. Your personal sacrifice and heroic acts in the service of our nation is greatly appreciated. Rest in peace.
Full military honor will be extended at the Mt Tahoma National Military Cemetery in Kent WA
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Heart Association.
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