Riverside – James I. Hayden, Jr. age 47, of rural Attica, passed away in his home following a short battle with colon cancer, 12:55 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2017. He was born in Lafayette, May 30, 1970 son of James I. and Janet S. Mills Hayden, they survive in Lafayette. He married Rebecca J. Dowell in West Point, September 22, 2001 and she survives.

He graduated from McCutcheon High School with the class of 1988. He was active in 4-H and participated in High School Rodeo. Jimmy attended 'Farrier Training School' in Shipshewana and 'apprenticed' with his father for 6 years. Jimmy served equestrians from Monticello to Terre Haute. His gentle nature and love of horses made him a 'natural'! He and Becky moved to the Riverside community from West Point in 2003.

Jimmy had an engaging smile, outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He loved to cook, experiment with foods as well as entertain He was a 'giver' and would do anything for anyone! He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping or just being outdoors.

Surviving along with his wife Rebecca and parents, James and Janet are: a sister, Julie Hayden (Scott) Blacker of Lafayette and niece, Mia. Father-in-law, William L. (Madelyn) Dowell and Brother-in-law Gary (Kim) Dowell both of Lafayette. Nephew, Timothy Dowell and niece Alexis (Zack) Rose. Jimmy's best friends, Brett & Jennifer Scruggs of West Point. Several uncles, aunts and cousins also survive as well as a community of friends who will dearly miss him. He was preceded in death by: Grandparents James A. and Ruth Hayden and Lillian I. Mills. Mother-in-law Karen Dowell and Brother-in-law Timothy L. Dowell.

Visitation hours are 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will be held, 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2017 at the funeral home, with friends and family leading his service. Memorial contributions may be directed to ViaQuest Hospice, 724 West Navajo St. West Lafayette, IN 47906. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to leave a condolence or share a memory.