James F. Hayward

CHELSEA—James F. "Jimbo" Hayward, 65, died Wednesday morning, April 2, 2008, at Fletcher Allen Medical Center in Burlington.

He was born June 29, 1942, the son of George Hinkley and Lillian G. (Hill) Hayward. He grew up in Chelsea. He attended Chelsea Elementary School for a short time, but his slight mental disability kept him from furthering his education. Instead, he learned other skills working alongside his dad. He would help stack firewood that his dad cut and split.

When Jim wasn’t with his father, he could be found walking around Chelsea Village. One of his favorite stops was the Chelsea Country Store, where owners David and Beth Farnham would find little odd jobs for him. If he wasn’t busy working at some task in the store, then he would be following customers around and visiting with them as they did their shopping. He also enjoyed spending time at the store, because he could visit with his very special friend, Dee Dee Melvin, who worked full-time at the store and helped look out for him.

In 1998, he moved to Randolph to stay with Candy Mullen, his respite provider. She and her family opened their home to him and provided care right up until he became ill and went to the hospital.

He loved to roam all around his hometown. He became somewhat of a fixture in Chelsea Village, stopping to talk with anyone who would take the time. He attended almost every home basketball game at Chelsea High School, rarely missed the Tunbridge Fair, and got pretty upset if he didn’t go to the races at Thunder Road. He liked to dance and loved music, Creedance Clearwater Revival being his all-time favorite group. He loved flowers, candy, teddy bears and orange soda. He also liked to collect baseball caps. He had three favorite hats when he moved to Randolph nine and a half years ago. His collection had grown to 698 hats.

Every Friday, he would travel to Chelsea to sit and visit with his sister, Arlene Preston. On his travel days, he would also go to see the staff at Dixie II, his favorite restaurant. He also liked going to Sharon Stone’s house to watch the two locally-made films, "Nosey Parker" and "Man with a Plan." In his very simple way, he touched the lives of anyone he met. People will remember his quirky sayings, his unique mannerisms and his smile.

Survivors include his brother, David Hayward of Chelsea; his sister, Arlene Preston of Chelsea; his caregiver, Candy Mullen and her family of Randolph; and all his friends in Chelsea and Randolph.

Calling hours were held Tuesday evening at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea. A memorial service was also held that evening at the funeral home, immediately following the calling hours, with Rev. Thomas Harty officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Valley Services, 12 Prince Street, Randolph, Vt., 05060.

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