He was born on April 1, 1923 in Middleborough, Mass., to William and Minnie Van Amringe Hayward. Jim was raised and attended school in Massachusetts.
He joined the United States Army on May 16, 1941. Jim was assigned to the 2nd Field Pack Arty., Fort Clayton, Panama Canal Zone. He returned to the States in 1942 due to tropical fever. Jim refused a medical discharge and a few months later was assigned to the 208th FA, Camp Forrest, TN. He was promoted to gunnar Corporal. In 1943 he applied and was accepted for parachute training at Fort Benning, GA (Frying Pan Area). Jim graduated on October 30, 1943 and was assigned to the 460th PFA, Camp Mackell, NC. Several months later he transferred to the 466th PFA, Camp Forrest, TN and was assigned to a 50-caliber mg section and promoted to PFC. Jim went overseas with the 17th Airborne and through all the campaigns, including the Varsity Jump on Wesel, Germany he was designated “Pusher of the Stick”. Their plane was hit and flew off course, but they jumped anyway. It put him in the hospital at Camp Edwards Massachusetts Hospital until his honorable discharge on January 16, 1946. In the April, 1945 issue of Life Magazine on page 36 is a full page, Robert Capo photo, of him being attended to by a medic. Decorations and citations include, Paratrooper Jump Wings, American Defense Service Medal with Clasp, EAME Campaign Ribbon with three Service Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal; Purple Heart, Four Hash Marks of left sleeve, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Jim attended business college, majoring in bookkeeping and cast accounting. He graduated and worked for Civil Service for seven years, resigning in 1957. Jim went to operating heavy equipment and working road construction. He later was a carpenter and cabinet maker. Jim retired early in 1972, due to aggravation of War Wounds. He had married in 1946 on the East Coast and divorced in 1964. Jim remarried in 1965 in Medford, Oregon to Norma Jean Brainard. Between James and Norma they have 8 children.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Norma Jean Hayward, Hermiston, OR; daughters: Melissa Kimmerling, AL, Ellen Malavenda, CT, Barbie Stack, CT, & Carol Hayward, WA; sons: Clayton hayward, NY, Tim Hayward, CT, & Mike Hayward, CA; sisters: Peg Qualley, OR, & Marie Branstetter, FL; Grandchildren: Leah Beth, Jesse, Zach, Jason, Danielle, Erica, Kyle, Gabrielle, Tara, Olivia, Carolyn, Jim, Michael, Lindsay Kay, Mary, & Jordan; great granddaughter: Katelyan.
Jim was preceded in death by a daughter: Liz Hayward; sisters: Grace Mitchell & Helen Turner; and his parents.
A private family burial will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
