JAMES HAYDEN

July 5, 1936 - April 3, 2014

James (Paul) Hayden was born July 5, 1936 in Tunica, Mississippi, the seventh of twelve children born to the late James Hayden Sr. and Georgia Ella Hayden. James confessed his life to Christ at an early age. He was the patriarch of his family. After the death of George Hayden (the oldest brother), he willingly stepped into the role as head of the family. He worked for Division Chevrolet for many years as a detail manager but always had a passion for farming and agriculture. In 1987, he bought a farm in Momence, IL and started raising livestock and training horses. James (Paul) later married Georgia Mason on April 2, 1988 and stayed devoted to their union until his death. To his family and friends, he was Paul. To his children, he was Dad. To his nieces and nephews he was Uncle Paul, but to everyone, he was an inspiration and loved his family dearly. However, God loved him more and called James (Paul) home on April 3, 2014. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 26 years, Georgia Hayden of Bourbonnais, IL; his children, Edward (Carrie) Hayden of Chicago, IL, Fox (Ron) Hayden-Jones of Melrose Park, IL, Judy Givens of Gary, IN, Renee Givens of Memphis, TN, Marvin Blake of St. Louis, MO, Thaddeus Givens of Memphis, TN, Russell Givens of Pontiac, MI and Darnell Craig of Mississippi; two brothers, Charles (Dianne) Hayden and Willie (Betty) Hayden, both of Chicago, IL; two sisters, Evelyn Hayden-Simon and Ernestine Hayden-Penn, both of Chicago, IL; three step-children, Dr. Laverne (William) Jackson of Hawaii, Ellis McClellon of Minneapolis, MN and Theron (Sherri) Caldwell of Alton, IL; one aunt, Lillian Carter; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren and 27 step-great-grandchildren; four special cousins, Mamie Clay, Martha Hicks, Maple Friend and Lillian (Sis) Bell-Pollard of Dundee, MS. and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his first wife, Mary Hayden who has remained close to the family. He was preceded in death by three sons, James, Ray and Ronnie; and seven siblings, Rosa Lee, George, Mae Emma, Alberta, Lucille, Georgia Ruth and A.J.