James H. Hayden

James H. Hayden, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 25, 2022, following a brave battle with Glioblastoma. He was born November 19, 1941, in Saltville, Va. to the late William A. Hayden and Gracie Bise Hayden. In Jim’s younger years he enjoyed many varied interests including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and showing horses.

He graduated from R.B. Worthy High School and Emory and Henry College. He taught school for 31 years in Richlands, Va. Jim exuded a thirst for knowledge and truly believed in the ability of people to succeed. He lived his personal and professional life as a strength that taught and encouraged others. He took pleasure in seeing them succeed. After retirement Jim enjoyed many years riding his recumbent bike with good friends. He also enjoyed reading and watching documentaries.

Jim was an active member of Belfast United Methodist Church for 30 + years and later joined Pleasant View United Methodist Church after relocating to Abingdon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Opal Hogston, Roy Hayden, Harold Hayden, and Christine Blue.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Judy Hillman Hayden; two special nieces, Pam Doane and husband, Ronnie, and Susan Holmes; three special nephews, Ken Hayden, Gary Hogston, and Jay Blue; several additional nieces and nephews; and three sisters-in-law, Beatrice Cox, Saundra Hillman, and Debra H. Stallard and husband, Bill.

A funeral ceremony will be held at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, Va. 24210, on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dale Gilbert and the Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating. A committal service will follow at the Serenity Garden Mausoleum of Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The Men’s Sunday School Class of Belfast United Methodist Church, the Men of the Fellowship Sunday School Class at Pleasant View United Methodist Church, Fred Adkins, and David Hankins will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Friday from 12:30 p.m. -2:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Belfast United Methodist Church, 291 Belfast Mills Rd., Cedar Bluff, Va. 24609; Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, Va. 24210; or the Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 2382, Abingdon, Va 24212

The family is particularly grateful to Jim’s caregivers, Sissy Anderson and Jesse Baumgardner for their faithful and loving care.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of James H. Hayden is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).