Jimmy D. Haynes

Jim Haynes departed this earth on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. He passed peacefully away at home in North East, Pennsylvania. Jimmy Dean Haynes was born May 1, 1954 at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico. He was the eldest child of terrestrial parents Jerry D Haynes and Marilyn C Fritz Haynes. He was a 1972 graduate of Whitmore Lake High School in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. As a child he dreamed of navigating the vastness of space, to boldly go where no man has gone before. He settled instead to sail the seas of earth, enlisting in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He served aboard the USS Lynde McCormack during the war, and later aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

            Jim attended Eastern Michigan University, earning a dual degree in Aquatic Biology and English. Upon graduation, he worked for several newspaper companies in various roles, most notably the Erie Times News as a copy editor. He was a regular contributor to the Good Morning Erie column. One of his headlines was featured on the Jay Leno show, later winning an award from Reader’s Digest. He briefly taught English at Mercyhurst University. After he retired from The Times, he enrolled at Mercyhurst University School of Nursing, earning his registered nursing degree. He worked as an RN at the Albion Prison for five years, before retiring due to health complications.

            He was a brilliant thinker and was known for his sharp wit and penchant for puns. He was a modest man who possessed a kind heart, a mighty sense of humor, and a stoic independence. He had a love of sponge candy, Hawaiian shirts, Star Trek, and the Detroit Tigers. He was a cat man. He raised his family with the belief that magic is real, music a necessity, and that books are patient friends. Inquiring minds have limitless potential. Carpe diem—seize the day.

            He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Melissa Larsen Haynes, whom he married on December 19, 1982. Surviving also are his daughters: Caitlen Schneider (Nicholas), Maureen Bannister (Jeremy), and granddaughter/adopted daughter River Haynes. He is survived by his grandchildren: Odessa, Orion, Murdock, and Wolfgang. His siblings also survive him: David Haynes, Steven Haynes, and Cathy Cremin. His mother-in-law Mary Ann Larsen survives, as do many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Jerry Haynes and Marilyn Fritz Haynes, father-in-law Alfred Larsen, and his daughter Anna Haynes Brown.

            Arrangements are being entrusted to the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 S. Lake St., North East, PA, and services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, announcement to follow. In lieu of memorials, please consider performing a random act of kindness.

In parting, the saying any good Trekkie should know: Live long and prosper.

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