Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Hayden Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hayden
Tony Ferraiuolo
June 3, 2021
Buster was a great patriot, gentleman and a wonderful friend. I always enjoyed every opportunity that I could spend with him and his beautiful wife, Sugar.
Judy Lewis
June 9, 2019
Colonel Hayden was an exceptional individual! I had the privilege of serving on the Congressman's Academy Selection Committee under him and was amazed by his leadership. There were representatives from every USA Academy and laypeople in the community. I don't know how I was selected, but I will be forever grateful. It was an extremely rewarding experience for me and that is due to one person ... Colonel Hayden! He was so fair and just, listened to everyone and displayed no bias. Oh, I learned from that!
In addition, he and Sugar had a second home in the same mountain resort in New Mexico that I did; however, I had the luxury of spending more time there than they did, so on occasion he would experience a problem at their home there and would call me for a recommendation of who might repair his problem. Job done! Thanks, Colonel Hayden, for being in my life!
Hope Donnelly, USMA '86
September 15, 2011
Dear Sugar and family –
I was very sorry to hear of Buster’s passing. Special mention was made of him at the recent West Point AOG Class Leaders Conference. I have enjoyed Buster’s and Sugar’s friendship over the years, and will miss seeing them at AOG meetings. Buster's memory will live on in the outstanding work he has done for West Point admissions. We are all blessed for having known him.
Noah Cloud
September 13, 2011
Buster, you are a great man! Your family willl miss you while you are away, but one day, you will be re-united. Thank you for your example to me and to all those you mentored. You will be greatly missed.
Mark Gahman
July 31, 2011
Dear Sugar and Hayden Family,
Your father was a role model, and father figure to me. He exemplified "Duty, Honor and Country" for his service to others never ceased. I am forever grateful to him for his support and encouragement of me to go to West Point, and will always hold dear to me his leadership qualities, his friendship and his kindness.
Dominic Bernardi
July 26, 2011
Dear Sugar and your family,
I was deeply saddened to learn from Leah of Buster's death. He was a wonderful personh, gaving many of us who worked with him new energy whenever we ere near him. He not only touched the lives of many who wnet on to graudate from the USMA but many others who chose other paths to success. He taught everyone that they could be be successful; that each of us has a huge potential if we are motivated and then he went about setting an example for all of us. For all of this he will be remembered. My love and prayers to you and your family.
Tony Ferraiuolo
July 10, 2011
Dear Sugar and family, I just learned today of the passing of our beloved friend, Buster. Shirley and I are greatly saddened by his death. He was a great man and a great friend and I know that the angels have welcomed him to heaven with open arms. He is probably talking to them about how he can help recruit more angels to help watch over this weary world that he left behind. His legacy will be long remembered and his friendship will be long cherished.
Glen Hayden Carpenter
July 9, 2011
You are sorely missed here on Earth, Dad! Per your sage advice...we will always try to "count our blessings" and "focus on the positive"! You taught us all so much through your example! In God's time, we will be reunited with you and all our loved ones who have gone before...until then, we love you and miss you so much! We're taking good care of Mom!!
Hector & Becky Alvarado
July 8, 2011
Dear Sugar & entire Hayden Family,
Thank you again for sharing our beloved Col. Hayden with us. He spent endless hours assisting the West Point Society-Parents club and especially the cadets. We could not have done it without him. He will truly be missed but NEVER forgotten. His legacy live forever with every single El Paso West Point graduate.
May God Bless you and your family~
Love,
Mike Casey
July 7, 2011
Col. Hayden,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army-especially during WW II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Adam Grijalba
July 4, 2011
COL Hayden touched countless lives. He guided so many cadets to and through the Academy and in doing so he touched the lives and families of so many Soldiers and families. He has left a wonderful legacy. I am so thankful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Frank Janoski
June 28, 2011
Buster Hayden was the individual every Academy Graduate should aspire to be like. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him and it is disappointing that there will be West Point candidates from his area in Texas who will not benefit from his advice and personality. WELL DONE BUSTER - BE THOU AT PEACE. Frank Janoski, USMA, Class of 1974
D & MA Gustafson
June 20, 2011
We were never fortunate enough to meet the COL in person, but are witnesses to the fact that the circle of his influence and legacy reached well beyond those who did. Because of his encouragement and assistance to her and her family we proudly watched our granddaughter join the Long Gray Line as a 2011 USMA graduate. To us, "Hayden of the Army" has been a valued memory of our vicarious West Point experiences. And, indeed, thoughts of him, his example and all he accomplished will be in our hearts as we continue to follow her military career.
May peace be with you all.
Sue Ridder
June 19, 2011
We just learned today and were so sorry to hear the sad news! Our son was probably one of the last new cadets he helped. He gave great encouragement to our son and seemed as thrilled to tell me as I was to hear the news on May 10th that our son (who was in the field at Ft. Bliss at the time) was receiving an appt. to the Class of 2015! We will be forever grateful to him!!!
Pat & Valerie Whalen
June 18, 2011
I know I am a better person today because of Buster Hayden and his entire family. Thanks you for the privilege of his company.
June 17, 2011
There are no words to describe how much we loved Buster and Sugar, and how very blessed we are to have them in our lives. Buster is the best example to live up to, and that is why we loved him so much. He encouraged us all to be our best, and believed we were the best . What an inspiration!
Carrie and Mike Bagg
Peggy Simon
June 17, 2011
I didn't know Col. Hayden, but his daughter, Glen, is in one of my Bible study classes. For Glen and the family, my deepest sympathy. It is so hard for us to lose someone we love.
Tish Walker Szurek
June 16, 2011
Mrs. Hayden and family,
The whole Walker family was saddened to hear of the loss of Col. Hayden. He was such a wonderful man who held a special place in our hearts. What lovely memories of the Class of '45 we have all grown up with, and your friendship is cherished by us all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat & Angie
June 16, 2011
Pat & I are deeply saddened by the loss of COL Hayden. He was an amazing man who will be missed on so many levels. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. THANK YOU COL Hayden for all that you have done for The West Point CPRC Office.
All Our Love & Prayers~
Very Respectfully~ Pat & Angie
Luz Lujan
June 16, 2011
Hayden Family,
First, my deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one. Col. Hayden was such a remarkable man and I am honored to have known him. He took such a personal interest in my son, Matthew, and helped him get into West Point. Matthew is now a Capt. in Iraq, and it was him who informed me of Col. Hayden's passing, tearfully. Matthew so loved and respected this man, as so many others. I last saw Col. Hayden at the Centennial Club about 2 months ago and we took pictures. He was as alert and vibrant as always - the man was amazing! I have thought of him every day since the sad news and I keep him in my heart. I know he is happy and pain free with our eternal Father. God Bless your family.
Gladys Grady
June 16, 2011
I am deeply saddened by the passing of COL Hayden. I have had the privilege of working with him in the Admissions office at West Point for years. I appreciated his generosity and sense of humor. Always a Joy to speak with him on the phone, he really knew how to brighten my day. He has been a mentor and a friend, always ready to lend a hand and never failed to give a word of encouragement. I know that his passing will not only leave a void in my life, but in the hearts of all those who knew him. May the Lord give your family courage and strength to keep you at peace through this tough time. Peace, Prayers and Blessings!
Alice Garcia
June 15, 2011
COL Buster Hayden was an outstanding man. I met him when I was working in Admissions at West Point and was planning my trip to El Paso. He, of course, called ahead to let me know what he planned for me and ended the call with "Hayden of Army- OUT!" COL Hayden inspired me to continue working with admissions and he will continue to be an inspiration. I feel blessed to have known him and worked with him. My thoughts and prayers are with this family.
Susan Grossarth
June 15, 2011
Sugar and the entire Hayden family,
This man was the most amazing man I could have had in my life. I didn't know him long but in the year I did, he inspired, supported and cared. He was an asset to West Point Admissions, the US Army, West Point and El Paso. He will be missed but know that he left a hole in many hearts. He lived an amazing life and was so soft spoken. May all the memories that you have of him help you heal in this hard time. Know that he is smiling down on all of us!!
Sir, may you Rest in Peace and be a guardian angel to us all.
Love and Miss you.
Susan
Michelle Antizzo
June 15, 2011
I never had the honor of meeting COL Hayden, but learned much about him through the accounts of others here at West Point. I can say that he will surely be missed, respected, and definitely remembered for many years to come, especially here in USMA Admissions. May you rest in peace, Sir.
June 15, 2011
Sorry Joan to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a great man and he touched many lives. Your mom (Sugar) protected and loved him to the end. He is now with GOD pain free and smiling down on all of you.
Jeanette & David
Tom McCunniff
June 15, 2011
There are not any other classmates who have known Buster longer than I . We were brats at West Point .We have been close friends ever since although we were never stationed together. Nina and I love Sugar and Buster and we will miss him terribly.
Celia and Don Pruitt
June 14, 2011
The world is a poorer place with the passing of Col. Hayden. It was his dedication and support that got our sons (Donald 1990 and Ron 1991) into the Academy and saw them through the finish line. He gave his all for so many young men and women to see that they had a chance to get into an Academy or if they chose to another school. The time he gave thanks to the support of Sugar and family, was to much to enter here. Thank you Buster. You leave a legacy that will be near impossible to fill. You will never be forgotten. Our condolences to Sugar, children and grandchildren and to the West Point community. We regret we will be unable to attend but you will be in our hearts and our prayers. Celia and Don Pruitt
Alan Hendricks LTC (Ret), USA, USMA 1986
June 14, 2011
I too became one small part of the Long Gray Line courtesy of COL Buster Hayden. He strengthened our line more than any other ever has before. No man except my own father had a greater influence on my life and I feel great loss as I'm sure do the many thousands of others whose lives he touched.
Grip hands!
June 14, 2011
Glenn, so sorry to hear about your dad. You, David and your family are in my prayers. Angie Mooney (Your Thursday night Bible Study Group)
Sheila J Bolin
June 14, 2011
To Glen Hayden Carpenter and her family
As your Bible Study class, we are saddened to hear the loss of your father; however, as Christians, we rejoice that he is now at the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire Hayden family is in our thoughts and prayers. Glen, your father was truly a wonderful man with many achievements. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17. And for your family we say this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.
Nadia King '91
June 14, 2011
I was so saddened to hear of Colonel Hayden's passing. Like so many others, it was because of his belief and encouragement that I entered West Point. His passion, humor, patriotism, and commitment to America's youth will continue to inspire.
Constance Trout
June 13, 2011
To Mrs. Hayden and the family: My sincerest condolences to all of you at the loss of your precious loved one. COL Hayden was always a delight to speak with at the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Officers' Club, or at the many functions that he participated in during the time I spent working at Fort Bliss. May the Lord Jesus Christ keep all of you in the days ahead.
Rita McKamey (Kemp)
June 13, 2011
Dear Sugar and Family,
I was very saddened to hear from my parents that Colonel Hayden is no longer with us. You and Colonel Hayden have always been such a wonderful inspiration to me. He will be missed! Heaven has received a wonderful addition! May God be with you all!
June 13, 2011
The world's loss is heaven's gain. Buster Hayden was such a special man and will be greatly missed. All our love to Sugar and the family. -Kim & Vince McDermott
June 12, 2011
Sugar and the Hayden family,
Our condolences to you on the loss of Col. Hayden. There are no words in the dictionary that can accurately describe what a remarkable, caring man Col. Hayden was. He helped so many young adults fulfill their dreams of attending a service academy, mainly the United States Military Academy at West Point including our own son, Jimmy, class of 1985. Col. Hayden's smile and stunning sense of humor will never be forgotten by the many, many lives he touched, especially the cadets and families. He was an incredible man of the highest integrity, a legend, and a pillar in our community and the nation. May you lean on God's love and strength for peace and comfort during these difficult times. Sorry we'll miss the services due to being out of town for grandchildren's graduations, but know that our love,thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jimmy and Julie Apodaca and family
El Paso, Texas
Cisco Brink
June 12, 2011
Sugar - Please accept my sincerest condolences on the behalf me and my family. COL Hayden's professionalism, stewardship, and humor personified the greatness of America. He brought so many generations together in order to strengthen our great country. I have a wonderful life today because of his efforts to get me into the door of West Point. Forever--- thank you.
Mark Engelbaum
June 12, 2011
I received the news this morning and my thoughts turned to 30 years ago, and it seemed like yesterday. I and the many others cannot begin to extend our personal gratitude. Buster was always there for us, as Cadets, and as officers. He helped to shape many young men and women and has left a legacy that will endure. Unfortunately, I am in Germany and unable to attend the ceremony, but I will be there in spirit. "Well Done; Be Thou at Peace."
Debby Krein Long
June 12, 2011
Dear Libby and family,
My sister, Michele, who still lives in El Paso told me of your father's passing and sent me the link to his obituary and this guest book. Although it has been many, many years since we have communicated, I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My Dad passed away a little over four years ago so I know that this will be a difficult time in your life, but you will make it through. I always admired both of your parents and your wonderful family. What an honorable man Col. Hayden was ... and such a wonderful mentor to so many young people!
June 12, 2011
My deepest condolences, Col. Hayden gave myself and countless others that opportunity to better ourselves.
June 11, 2011
June 11, 2011
An honor to have worked with Buster on the Congressman's Academy Selection
Committee; so professional and so committed to our purpose.
Dr. Judy Lewis, El Paso, Texas
ana prokopchu8
June 11, 2011
I indeed have been priviledged to have known Col. Hayden. He was a great mentor to my son Matthew Acosta now a Cpt in the US Army. also a large help to me and many parents of young cadets who are part of the long gray line. May God Bless Sugar and her family in this time of sorrow
Ana Prokopchuk
Matthew Acosta
June 11, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of COL Hayden's passing. He had a gift to inspire others and because of his mentorship, hundreds of dreams of young men and women came true...including mine. Sir, I will never forget you and through all of us whom you added to the long grey line, you will live on. My prayers go out to Sugar and the whole Hayden Family.
Ed & Rosemary Brady
June 10, 2011
We have indeed been priviledged to have known Buster and Sugar as friends and to have worked for Buster for a number of years in the WP Admissions Program. Buster mentored both our sons, Ed and Jim now serving as Infantry Officers in Afghanistan. By any measure Buster is an outstanding member of the Long Grey Line. He has now joined those long gone and recently passed. May God console Sugar and her family in this time of sorrow.
A life well done Buster. Grip hands.
Ralph and Andrea Heaton
June 10, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the loss of COL Hayden. He was an amazing man who will be missed on so many levels. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. THANK YOU COL Hayden for that you have done.
Frank Baum
June 10, 2011
My heart goes out to the Hayden family. Your loss is felt throughout our entire West Point family. As one of the young men that Col. Hayden managed to get into West Point in the late 70's, I will be forever in his debt. "Be thou at peace", Col. Hayden.
Grace Patterson
June 10, 2011
Sugar, Buster will be missed by the Patterson family for all his help getting Scott into West Point, another success Scott is finishing the captain's course and preparing for Ranger school . Buster made this possible for so many El Paso students. God Bless all his family as you mourn his loss. Grace Patterson
David Harvie
June 10, 2011
COL Hayden epitomized "Duty Honor Country". He was responsible for getting me into West Point, and I will be forever grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Justin Doreck The Doreck Family
June 10, 2011
Col. Hayden will always be remembered in my family's hearts. I feel greatly honored to be among those he believed in. He has inspired me to pursue my dreams and to never give up. His life and legacy will never be forgotten. And when I attended West Point I will always remember Col. Hayden as the man who got me there. I know two veterans are now looking over me, my grandfather and Col. Hayden.
Joe DeAntona
June 10, 2011
Col Hayden was a mentor, friend and role model. He and his wife, Sugar, represent all that is good about Army Families. Be thou at Peace Buster.... Joe and Lisa DeAntona
Linda & Bruce Kennedy
June 10, 2011
Col. Hayden was a very inspirationsal man who supported not only West Point Cadets, but all the Military Academys. When our son, Kriss Kennedy, attended the Naval Academy in the late 70's, Buster was always at the airport for arrivals and departures of these young women and men during the holidays, and summer breaks. Many careers were furthered by his encouraging words. Buster's daughter, Libby, and our daughter-in-law, Ellen Davis were room mates at Texas Tech. Prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Twila Lowe
June 10, 2011
An extraordinary man. Col. Hayden will remain in our hearts forever more. We are grateful for his caring support and all his encouraging words that he gave our daughter Awbrey L. Lowe. Love, Edward and Twila Lowe
Edward Lowe
June 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers for Sugar and Col. Hayden's family. He was one of the greats, his influence and drive to aid area students to West Point was tremendous. He will be sorely missed.
COL Humberto Rodriguez
June 10, 2011
Sugar,
Irma and I were very sorry to hear of Buster's passing. We will always be two of Buster's biggest admirers. Without him, I would have never gone to West Point. Buster was my recruiter, mentor and most importantly, a friend. No words describe Buster's life better than "Duty, Honor, Country." He will always have a special place in our hearts.
June 10, 2011
Wonderfull memoreies of a wonderfull man , he will be greatly missed .
- Nancy Smith McKinney , The Smiths & The Jensens .
Mike & Laurie Knippel
June 10, 2011
To Sugar, and all your children, we send our sincere condolences. His service truly is a standard for the Army and for West Point. He was warm and caring to all, and we are so glad we shared in that.
June 10, 2011
Sugar, my condolences to you and your family, my daughter Lydia, West Point Graduate was also encouraged by Col. Hayden, my regards to you, from the Uribarri Family EL Paso,
Carmen Daley
June 10, 2011
Sugar, Mom and I were so very sorry to hear about Buster. She is visiting me in Maryland, but we wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Please know that you all arein our thoughts, prayers, and heart.
Much love, Carmen and Kathy
Mark McGurk
June 10, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Col. Hayden's passing. Please accept our condolences on your loss of such a wonderful human being.
Chaplain Sam Faraone
June 10, 2011
On behalf of the entire staff of CIMA Hospice please accept our most sincere condolences. It was such an honor to meet COL Hayden and his wonderful, loving family. May you continue to experience meaning in the memories you have. May God strengthen you and give you peace.
Dawn Cornell-stufflebeam
June 10, 2011
I am deeply saddened that Col. Hayden has passed on. He was a true gift to our community and has helped countless students and their families with the academy process. As a high school counselor I know first hand how much he cared for his cadets and their families. He will be missed.
June 10, 2011
My husband was one of the people that COL Hayden got into West Point and he helped up adopt several El Paso cadets while we served in our military career at the academy. What a beautiful legacy he left behind and how many lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
David Austin
June 10, 2011
Sugar - Susie and I share our condolences. Buster's memory will live on, including the time he banged his head on our Cloudcroft cabin roof! We are blessed to be part of his very large circle of friends.
Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results
Make a Donation
in James Hayden's name
Memorial Events
for James Hayden
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Hayden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
