Birth date: Feb 17, 1918 Death date: Dec 31, 2014
James (Buford) Hayes February 17, 1918 – December 31, 2014 Buford passed away on December 31st at the age of 96; he was born in Sheridan, Oregon to James F. and Madie E. Hayes on February 17, 1918. He had one younger brother Edwa Read Obituary
"In a letter to his children, Christmas 2011, Buford wrote about driving to Kansas with Phyllis's brothers Denny & Ray (Mawhirter) to look for work in the spring of 1937. "J B" had quit his farm job because the man he worked for would not give a $1.00 raise so he could say he made $.50 a day. He owned a Model A coupe w/ a rumble seat. In St. John it was still hard for him to find work being an outsider. He stayed with my parents Ken & Vera (Mawhirter) Curtis. The crops in Buford and Denny decided to return to Oregon with added passengers; Vera, Glenda (5) and Gary (2). Mom and I road up front with whomever was driving; Glenda was in the rumble seat with the non-driver. It must have been a long ride in the open. There are pictures. Gary Curtis
Will miss "Uncle Buford" and of course Phyllis, very much. I remember the summer of 1956 working with him while I was in the Forest Grove station. He always took the time to stop and visit.....had a great memory to recall, even late in life. All best to family. I will miss Larry also.
Mike Mawhirter Derby, Ks.
Sure miss his humor
My husband & I had the opportunity to meet Buford many yrs ago. He was the kindest, sweetest man . He talked a lot about his job in the forestry dept and how it impacted his life. I will never forget how he treated folks and the love and caring he had for his fellow man. I considered myself to be very lucky to have had this time with him.
RIP Buford. You will be missed.
Beverly & Patt Ellis
When I think about life I think about family, friends, love, happiness, faith, and most importantly I think about this man. My grandpa Buford lived 96 years.. In 96 years he blessed so many lives and he created a beautiful family that I couldn't be more prouder to be apart of. I loved to listen to all the stories he had to tell about his life. I think about how amazing his life was all the time, and it makes me so sad that he is gone but a part of me is so happy, Because I know he is young healthy and with our other loved ones that are already in heaven. I just know he is so happy right now, and he is probably already gotten a job at the forestry department up there in heaven! Lol I Thank God for the amazing family he created, and i will never EVER forget all the time I got to spend with you! I love you so much and you will be missed terribly! Before you know it we will all be joining you up there soon! - Great Grand daughter Lyndsay <3
