James Hayford Fairfax, Vermont Obituary

James Hayford

James Hight Hayford, Jr. Burlington, Vermont James H. Hayford, 78, passed peacefully of heart failure in his Burlington home on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, surrounded by family. Jim (Jamie) as he was known to his family and friends, was born on Jan. 21, 1937, an only child, to the late James and Helen (Emerson) Hayford in Lyndonville, Vt.,. Jim attended Lyndon Institute and graduated Orleans High School 1955. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy as a photographer’s mate and later the US Air Force in electronics and meteorology. After working for Business Systems of VT (Applied Graphics) G B Rood Co. 71-72, Associates at GNS TeleSystems he became self-employed as a one man operation selling audio visual equipment to schools and businesses in northern and central VT from 1976 until his retirement in 2011. With his parents, both teachers, he lived many places including West Burke and Manchester Vermont but finally settled in Burlington, a neighborhood and a city he grew to love dearly. A true native Vermonter who reveled in the wonder of its beauty every day, especially Lake Champlain, where he was an avid boater for many years. He also enjoyed swimming, took great pride in maintaining his pool, his house, bike riding and table-tennis. Those who were fortunate to call Jim a friend will remember his wit, keen intelligence, humor, genuineness, generosity and commitment and loyalty to friends. Also, his thirst for knowledge and experiences, sports, especially table-tennis, his passion, including the Vt. State Championship six times and a lifetime member of the US Table Tennis Association. Jim could speak in depth on many different subjects ranging from politics, sports, film, to music and more. He was a conversationalist, interested listener, an avid reader of history, especially Civil War, loving long discussions with anyone interested. Giving to people in need was of great importance to him. To his children, things he passed on, lessons he taught: perseverance, self reliance, a strong work ethic, a way to debate and to appreciate topics and the world we live in. He always remembered birthdays, holidays and phone calls to gap the distance. He parts a deep appreciation for poetry and music as influenced by his parents of who his father was a writer and held them both with high regard. Jim was happy to have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February with Lucy. His fondest sayings were: there’s nothing wrong with that…; there’s a time and a season…; it’s all in the first hundred… Jim is survived by his wife Lucille (Lucy) Hayford of 25 years, his daughter, Cynthia (Red) Rock of Milton, Vt., their children Colin, and Erin (Jason) Ballard and great grandson, Sebastian, daughter; Ellen (Tom) Miller of Hinesburg, Vt., their children Melissa and Cameron; daughter, Emily (JP) Bisson of Tempe, Az. and their children Charly Rose and Bodie, son, Evan Hayford of Gig Harbor, WA; two step-children, Curtis Brown of Pollock Pines, Ca., and his children Katelyn and Dylan; Stephanie (Peter) Pizzagalli of Charlotte, Vt., and their children Hunter and Coleton. Deniele Hayford mother of Emily and Evan. Jean Anker mother of Cynthia and Ellen, deceased. Thanks to his many friends that are too numerous to mention, you know who you are. Many thanks to Dr. Frank Landry and Dr. Janet Kirwan for their loving support and care and great appreciation to the Burlington Fire, Police, and Rescue. As per Jim’s wishes, there will be no services. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date to celebrate his life. Burial will also be at a later date in West Burke at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the Direct Cremation Services, a Member of the A. W. Rich Funeral Home Family. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.awrfh.com. For those who wish, contributions in honor of Jim’s memory may be directed to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001-5004 or www.doctorswithoutborders.com.
January 21, 1937 - April 7, 201501/21/193704/07/2015
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Obituary

James Hight Hayford, Jr. Burlington, Vermont James H. Hayford, 78, passed peacefully of heart failure in his Burlington home on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, surrounded by family. Jim (Jamie) as he was known to his family and friends, was born on Jan. 21, 1937, an only child, to the late James and Helen (Emerson) Hayford in Lyndonville, Vt.,. Jim attended Lyndon Institute and graduated Orleans High School 1955. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy as a photographer’s mate and later the US Air Force in electronics and meteorology. After working for Business Systems of VT (Applied Graphics) G B Rood Co. 71-72, Associates at GNS TeleSystems he became self-employed as a one man operation selling audio visual equipment to schools and businesses in northern and central VT from 1976 until his retirement in 2011. With his parents, both teachers, he lived many places including West Burke and Manchester Vermont but finally settled in Burlington, a neighborhood and a city he grew to love dearly. A true native Vermonter who reveled in the wonder of its beauty every day, especially Lake Champlain, where he was an avid boater for many years. He also enjoyed swimming, took great pride in maintaining his pool, his house, bike riding and table-tennis. Those who were fortunate to call Jim a friend will remember his wit, keen intelligence, humor, genuineness, generosity and commitment and loyalty to friends. Also, his thirst for knowledge and experiences, sports, especially table-tennis, his passion, including the Vt. State Championship six times and a lifetime member of the US Table Tennis Association. Jim could speak in depth on many different subjects ranging from politics, sports, film, to music and more. He was a conversationalist, interested listener, an avid reader of history, especially Civil War, loving long discussions with anyone interested. Giving to people in need was of great importance to him. To his children, things he passed on, lessons he taught: perseverance, self reliance, a strong work ethic, a way to debate and to appreciate topics and the world we live in. He always remembered birthdays, holidays and phone calls to gap the distance. He parts a deep appreciation for poetry and music as influenced by his parents of who his father was a writer and held them both with high regard. Jim was happy to have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February with Lucy. His fondest sayings were: there’s nothing wrong with that…; there’s a time and a season…; it’s all in the first hundred… Jim is survived by his wife Lucille (Lucy) Hayford of 25 years, his daughter, Cynthia (Red) Rock of Milton, Vt., their children Colin, and Erin (Jason) Ballard and great grandson, Sebastian, daughter; Ellen (Tom) Miller of Hinesburg, Vt., their children Melissa and Cameron; daughter, Emily (JP) Bisson of Tempe, Az. and their children Charly Rose and Bodie, son, Evan Hayford of Gig Harbor, WA; two step-children, Curtis Brown of Pollock Pines, Ca., and his children Katelyn and Dylan; Stephanie (Peter) Pizzagalli of Charlotte, Vt., and their children Hunter and Coleton. Deniele Hayford mother of Emily and Evan. Jean Anker mother of Cynthia and Ellen, deceased. Thanks to his many friends that are too numerous to mention, you know who you are. Many thanks to Dr. Frank Landry and Dr. Janet Kirwan for their loving support and care and great appreciation to the Burlington Fire, Police, and Rescue. As per Jim’s wishes, there will be no services. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date to celebrate his life. Burial will also be at a later date in West Burke at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the Direct Cremation Services, a Member of the A. W. Rich Funeral Home Family. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.awrfh.com. For those who wish, contributions in honor of Jim’s memory may be directed to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001-5004 or www.doctorswithoutborders.com.

To plant a tree in memory of James Hayford, please visit our Tribute Store.

Events

There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by planting a tree in memory of James Hayford.

Plant a tree