James Edward Hayslip

James “Jim” Edward Hayslip born to Willard “Howard” Hayslip and Helen K Werner Hayslip in Portsmouth, OH on July 21, 1943, passed peacefully on May 4, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side in the Yuma Arizona State Veterans Home.

Jim graduated from Portsmouth High and loved playing football.  He also attended DeVry College for a trade in Electronics Technician. 

Jim joined the US Navy when he was 19 years old. Jim achieved the highest rating as an enlisted E-9, Master Chief Electronic Technician. He served our nation with honor from January 6, 1964, to May 31, 1993, completing 30 years of dedicated service as a proud sailor in the United States Navy. During that time, he served in both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, steadfast in his role as an Electronics Technician throughout his career. His commitment, skill, and professionalism earned him numerous commendations, including the Gallantry Cross, two Navy Commendation Medals, five Navy Achievement Medals, four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, a Letter of Commendation, the Humanitarian Service Medal, two Navy Unit Commendations, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Medal, seven Good Conduct Awards, three Southwest Asia Service Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, a Joint Meritorious Commendation, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Jim raised his family in San Diego with his wife Mary.  They had their home in San Diego for over 35 years.  He wanted his children to have stability by not uprooting them.  He took a few duty stations where he was able to come home on weekends and others in San Diego. 

Jim took immense pride in his service, and even after retiring from active duty, he continued to serve his country as a civilian port engineer for the U.S. Navy for an additional 10 years.

Jim married his sweetheart, Mary Lucile on February 26, 1966, and raised 3 children. Jim was a devoted husband and father to Christine, John, and Thomas, and he found great joy in the simple pleasures of home life. He loved visiting national parks, exploring hot springs, working out, woodworking, playing board games and sharing one of his favorite passions—baking—with his family. A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts, Jim first participated as a young scout, later becoming a leader and passing that tradition on to his children.

After his retirement, Jim embraced life with the same sense of purpose and adventure that defined his service. He traveled across the country and made his home in Yuma, Arizona, where he shared many happy years with his beloved wife. Together, they explored the world, visiting places such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Alaska, and Hawaii, creating lasting memories along the way. Through his retirement, Jim was also a proud lifetime member of the VFW.

Jim now joins those who went before him, including his brothers, Richard and Jerry.

He leaves behind a loving family- MARY, CHRISTINE (BRYCE), JOHN AND TOM (ELIZABETH), and six wonderful grandchildren and six precious great-grandchildren, all will carry forward his legacy.

In his final chapter, Jim resided at the Arizona State Veterans Home, where he had lived since August 3, 2025. During his time there, he enjoyed a good game of Farkle and cherished the daily visits from his family. The staff at the Arizona State Veterans Home are honored to have cared for Jim, and he will be deeply missed.

A service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026; 2pm, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, California 92122 with full military honors. Case #11301958.

REST EASY SAILOR, HUSBAND and DAD!

Fair Winds and Following Seas!

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