The family of Jim Hayden invites you to join us for his Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 12 at 11:00AM at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall at 192 Broadway, Methuen. A potluck luncheon will follow. If you have a story or photo to share for our memory book, please forward it to us by November 6. Thank you for your love and support.

James “Jim” Stuart Hayden, 55, of Methuen, passed away October 7, 2016.

He was born November 28, 1960 in Nashua, NH to Robert and Frances (Hartmann) Hayden.

Jim’s most current position was Director of Advancement at Lawrence Catholic Academy. He was previously employed at the Minuteman National Park, The Concord Museum, The Thoreau Society, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and the Boy Scouts of America-Yankee Clipper Council.

Jim held many leadership roles, his most current being a Trustee at the American Independence Museum of Exeter, NH. He was also an Adjutant with the First New Hampshire Regiment, a group of Revolutionary War Reenactors, at one time holding such titles of Captain and Sergeant. He was currently the Show Coordinator for the New England Woodcarvers, and was the group’s President from 2012 to 2015.

His past notable activities include being the Host / Producer of "Family Focus", "In Focus", "Patriot Pride" and the Methuen Community Television election programs, President of the Fitchburg State College Alumni Association, Chair/ Adjutant of The Continental Line, the Assistant Coach for the St. Augustine's Girls Basketball team (Lawrence), the Assistant Coach for Tower Hill Softball, Commander of the Hollis Militia Company and participated in 4-H showing sheep.

He was the beloved "Sergeant Jim" of the End Zone Militia, which fires muskets to celebrate scores at New England Patriots football and New England Revolution soccer games.

Jim and his son Ian won First Place for Best Profile Talk Show by Non-Professionals from the Alliance for Community Media Northeast Region in 2010, which they produced at MCTV, Methuen.

Jim loved to travel and treasured visits to England, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco California, Portland Oregon, Mount Saint Helens, the Grand Canyon, New Orleans, and Quebec Canada to name a few.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen L. Hayden; son, Ian T. Hayden; daughter Sarah R. Rinaldo and her husband Steven, two grandsons, Joshua and Jordan Rinaldo (all Methuen); brother, Robert Hayden and his wife Helena of Hollis, NH; in-laws Thomas and Frances Gradzewicz of Methuen; sister-in-law Julie Wicks and her husband Borden of Marlborough, MA; sister-in-law Debra Gorak and her husband Edward of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; stepbrother Michael Dolloff and his wife Sylvia of Litchfield, NH and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Robert and Frances (Hartmann) Hayden; stepmother, Ruth (Dolloff) Hayden, and his sister Marjorie "Maggie" (Hayden) Smith.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours, Saturday, October 15, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the chapel at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via website or check to either: Lawrence Catholic Academy, 101 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA 01843 or the American Independence Museum, One Governors Lane, Exeter, NH 03833, two of the places Jim Hayden shared his talents with to help them further their mission.

To send an online condolence, please visit, www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

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