James Gregg Haberly

An informal service of remembrance will be held at the Bateman-Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, Oregon at 2 pm on November 19, 2026. Casual attire is welcome. Private Burial at Douglass Cemetery, Troutdale, Oregon

James Gregg Haberly had a mind for mathematics, a gift for solving puzzles, and a lifelong love of books, classical music, and dogs.

Born December 10, 1949, in Eugene, Oregon, to Adolph “Jack” and Dorothy (née Richey) Haberly, James showed his curiosity early. He built hay-bale forts in his grandfather’s barn, caught garter snakes, and regularly beat his younger brothers, Norman and Brian, at four-square and tetherball. Later came ping-pong, Marco Polo in the pool, and playing bridge and Risk with high school classmates and as an adult, playing competitive volleyball with decades-long friends.

He built a mechanical robot and programmed his first computer before Microsoft or Apple existed. A high school co-valedictorian, James led the chess and bridge clubs and took college classes for an extra challenge. He earned degrees in mathematics and computer science from Caltech and belonged to the high-IQ society, Mensa.

His father, Jack, trained sailors for the Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine. His mother, Dorothy, grew up in Boring, Oregon, and descended from Oregon Trail pioneers who traveled west by wagon in 1852. James shared her decades long Lakers loyalty.

James worked as a computer programmer at Security Pacific Bank, Candle Corporation, IBM, and Conversant, retiring in 2025. He enjoyed fine woodworking, volleyball, and classical concerts at Caltech and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, often attending with his former wife, Ava Haberly. A voracious science-fiction reader, he was difficult to surprise with a book he hadn’t read.

He is survived by his younger brothers, Norm Haberly and Brian Haberly, two nieces and two nephews, and several cousins. He treasured longtime friendships, bridge and Uno games, and his dogs, especially his borzoi, Nikin.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor James’ memory may make a donation to the SPCA-LA at https://spcala.com/in-honor-memory. Memorial contributions may also made to the Sierra Club’s “Angeles Chapter Foundation”, at https://angeleschapterfoundation.org/ways-to-donate. For more information you can also call Paul Sailer, 310.472.9800 or email [email protected].