James Roy Haley

James Roy Haley, 59, passed away on January 26, 2008 in Abilene, Texas with his beloved wife Cindy by his side. For the last two and a half years James fought a courageous battle with cancer and his fight inspired countless others including family, friends, cancer patients, care-givers, nurses and physicians. He never knew a stranger and was a true friend to many. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with Dr. Jeff Reid Officiating. Visitation will be held following the service at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. James is survived by his wife Cindy Haley, children and their spouses, Kim Haley of Cottonwood, AZ; Kyle Peebles and husband Pee Wee of Ft. Davis, TX; Brandon Howard and Jessica Hagen and husband Mitch of Ft. Worth, TX. James loved his four special grandsons Drake Ortiz, Gage and Rance Choate and Leven Peebles. He is also survived by two sisters, Nancy Brown and husband, Bob of Silver City, New Mexico; Sally Haley of San Angelo, TX; and brother Willis Haley and wife Cindy of Sanderson, TX. He is also survived by the mother of his daughters, Perry Kay Haley-Brown of Abilene and numerous nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Ethel Laura Haley of Sanderson and a brother Zeke Haley. Born September 12, 1948 in Del Rio, Texas, James was the third of five children. James graduated from Ysleta High School where he lettered in football and earned the nickname "Turk" for his character and toughness on and off the football field. There he made life-long friends with a group he affectionately referred to as "The Warriors." Following high school, James graduated from the University of Texas - El Paso with a teaching degree and later received a Master's Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. James began his professional career as a teacher and coach. His professional career included many ventures including Plant Maintenance Manager at Abilene State School and Director of Environmental Services at Sears Methodist Retirement System. He was someone who wanted to experience all he could in life. James touched the lives of many people who enjoyed his quick wit, sense of humor and his willingness to listen, only giving advice when asked. James had a passion for family genealogy, western memorabilia and historical structures. He was a member of The Abilene Preservation League and served as chairman of the Swenson House project. Amazing his friends during the last year of his life, James enjoyed playing a round of golf with his Saturday morning golfing buddies. As he did all of his life, he continued to encourage those around him to do their best and never complained about his illness. James made it his personal mission to outlive his precious mother and to be present for his daughters' weddings, Kyle's in August and Jessica's on December 29. He smiled and was at peace when told the news of the birth of his fourth grandson, Leven, born January 25, the day before his death. James was a unique person who inspired those around him in sickness and in health and he will be missed by many. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and was always appreciative to those who cared for him, even during his final hours. His one regret was leaving his precious Cindy and his last words to her were, "I love you so much Doll." The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX 79601 or to The Kidney Cancer Discovery Fund, c/o Diana Lema, The Methodist Hospital GU Oncology, 6560 Fannin, Suite 2050, Houston, TX 77030, phone 713-441-7934.