James Brannan Hayhurst, age 84, a beloved and gentle husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on December 23, 2023.

Jim was born on June 6, 1939, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Merle and Isabel Hayhurst. Jim had an older sister, Alison Vaughn, whom he lovingly tormented throughout his childhood. His twin brother, John Hayhurst, elbowed his way out of the womb first, making Jim the youngest of three children.

Jim spent his early years on his parents' small family farm outside Sheridan, Wyoming, where he and John fished Big Goose Creek and spent much of their time deep in mischief and tomfoolery of all sorts. At one point, they tied their older sister to the garage door and left her suspended high in the air and mad as a wet hen.

Jim's family moved to Colorado Springs, where he finished high school with good grades and a shy yet infectious smile. He was active socially and athletically. He was a state finalist in the pole vault and also ran the mile, which he hated. He was smart as hell. He attended the University of Colorado, where he graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering and business marketing. After graduation, he accepted a job with Mountain Bell and spent his career working for various telephone companies, living in Denver, Boulder, El Paso, Salt Lake City, and his all-time favorite, Helena, Montana.

Jim made his best decision in 1962, when he decided to ask out Judith (Jude) Elliott, a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma with the teaching degree. They went on a first date in his red Austin Healy convertible. It worked. They dated for two years before marrying in 1964. They raised three boys together, Elliott (1967-2001, engaged to Wendy Cotlear-Leon of Peru), Eric (born in 1970, married to Lisa Benassi of California) and Matt (born in 1972, married to Lisa Miller of Montana).

Jim and Jude built a wonderful life together. They had a strong and loving marriage. They had fun together and laughed a lot. They taught their boys to enjoy many outdoor pursuits, from skiing to sailing, camping to hunting and fishing, and everything in between. Jim worked hard and played even harder. He always had a plan. He adored his family, including his extended family in Canada, and his many bird dogs, especially Mike and Charlie.

Jim was a gentle soul. He was caring and thoughtful. He had both a quiet generosity and an adventurous spirit. He loved the mountains, and spent many days there in the company of close friends and family, usually with a Coors Banquet Beer in hand-what he called "Colorado Kool-Aid." He fished with skill and tenacity, casting infrequently and always keeping his line in the water. He appreciated dry flies, but insisted you could catch more fish with nymphs, which he proved time and again. He hated when anyone lost a fish and therefore would yell, "Don't horse 'em!"  His favorite river was the Bighorn. He fished there when the river first opened, and returned year after year, except when he and his brother were banned from the local campground for pasting fish skins on the wall.

Jim and Jude traveled the globe, from Europe to Africa to the Middle East and China. They loved wine, particularly Zinfandel and Cabernet from their favorite winery, A. Rafanelli, where they visited several times in the beautiful wine country of California. They built a cozy log cabin on Placid Lake, Montana, which was Jim's favorite place in the entire world. Most importantly, they built a network of close knit friends with whom they shared much laughter and love.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jude; his son Eric, daughter in law Lisa and grandson James; his son Matt, daughter in law Lisa and grandsons Elliott, CJ and Ben; his brother John, sister in law Ann, niece Kirsten and nephew Andrew; his nieces Kelly Whitley and Holly Vaughn; and his beloved Canadian family Wendy, Mark, Wendicita, Isabel, and Marjorie.

Jim left us with a legacy of wonderful memories. We loved him dearly. We hope he is now in heaven, reunited with his son Elliott as well as his parents, his sister, and his many friends who passed before him. They are lucky to have him. But we sure miss him. We love you forever, Pop.

A celebration of life will be held this summer at the family cabin on Placid Lake.

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.