James Tracy Hailwood, age 82, resident of 137 East 4th St, Waterford, PA died Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born on June 6, 1929 in Mill Village, PA, James was a son of the late Elton Hailwood and Harriet Graffrath Ellwood. He lived most of his life in Waterford. On January 4, 1959, he married the former Louise June Moore and she survives.
After graduating from Ft. LeBoeuf High School in 1948, James entered the US Army, serving his country for two years. Following his discharge he returned to Waterford and was employed at various jobs until 1964 when he began employment with the Ft. LeBoeuf School District. His work included school bus driver and custodian. He retired from there in 1993. For most of these same years, James also was employed by the Humes Chrysler Plymouth Car dealership in Waterford and for the Humes family doing whatever was asked of him. He remained active with them until about a year ago having his work load lightened as his age advanced. He was a member of American Legion Post # 285 of Waterford and particularly enjoyed goose hunting.
Surviving James is his cherished wife of 52 years, Louise, with whom he was very close; four sons – Forrest Craig; Joseph Hailwood and his wife, Ellen; and twins – Kevin Hailwood and Kelvin Hailwood; a daughter – Joyce Bakonyi and her husband, Peter. Additionally, seven grandchildren survive – Tyler Craig, Lindsey Craig, Shelly Craig, Russell Hailwood, Hannah Hailwood, Brandon Hailwood, and Jacob Hailwood as well as a sister – Ruth Humes. Preceding James in death was a sister – Marion Weed and a brother – John Hailwood.
A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, West Second Street, Waterford on Friday, November 4 at 4:30 pm.
To all the family of James Hailwood…my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was known by a lot of people in Waterford and will be remembered for the person he was. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, but I’m sure he is in a better place.
Forrest, Joey, Kevin, Kelvin, and Joyce,
I was sorry to learn of Uncle Jim’s passing yesterday. Aunt Ruth had phoned me earlier in the week to say that he was not well and had been taken to Pittsburgh. Gary and I had a lovely visit w/ your mom and dad at Aunt Ruth’s 90th birthday celebration in April, and he seemed fine then. Though our families have never been very close, Lori, Gary and I send our heartfelt condolences. Please let me know if you decide to have a memorial service in the future; we will do our best to attend.
Holding your hearts in ours,
Gary and Bev (Hailwood) Kantz and Lori Hailwood