James "Jim" Edward Brazelton

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Hayden Community Center. Inurnment will follow at Hayden Cemetery, with military honors presented by the VFW.

Jim was born on February 2, 1941, in Hayden, Colorado, to James “Walt” and Eva (Barnacascel) Brazelton. He attended school in Hayden and graduated from Hayden Union High School with the Class of 1959.

Later that fall, Jim joined the United States Army, serving as a sharpshooter. He was originally based in Oakland, California, before being stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Following his military service Jim worked various jobs from working on vehicles to serving in public works for the Town of Hayden, before beginning a long and successful 38-year career at the Hayden Power Plant, where he eventually retired.

Aside from his work, Jim loved stock car driving at the Hayden speedway and racing to sporting events, hunting with his children and grandchildren, camping, watching sports, and traveling to Mexico.

On September 18, 1965, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara Gail Boone, at the Hayden Congregational Church. Together they raised six children and celebrated 50 years of marriage before Barb’s passing on June 18, 2016.

Above all, he was a devoted and loving father and grandfather who will always be remembered for his gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his children: Connie (George) Hawn of Hayden; Jesse Dean Brazelton of Craig; Penny (Eddie) Arnett of Tyler, Texas; Brenda Brazelton of Hayden; Michael (Melanie) Brazelton of Hayden; and Mary Lynn (Rod) Lewin of Bayfield, CO; as well as his brother, Michael (Jolene Cormier) Brazelton of Nova Scotia, Canada. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Eva Brazelton; his beloved wife, Barb; daughter-in-law, Anita Brazelton; brother, Jerry Brazelton and grandson, Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Hayden Booster Club or Northwest Colorado Health & Hospice, in care of Grant Mortuary.