I just got word of the passing of James Haughton. He was born September 20, 1925 in Alabama. His wife was Marydith (Tyler) Haughton ( 1926-2009), Class of 1944 who was well known among Trona residents as a historian of the Searles Valley area.
Jim would have graduated in 1944, however, he joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was attacked and the US entered WWII. He was one of 20 Trona High students who entered the military in 1944.
After the war Jim returned to Trona and graduated in 1947.
Jim was born in Maxine, Alabama, September 20, 1925 to Gayle and Charlcie Haughton. He was the third oldest of four children. He passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington. He lived in Trona, California from the age of 6. He attended the Trona schools, joined the Navy at 17, then married his childhood sweetheart Marydith Tyler. Jim and Marydith raised their family and lived in the same home in Trona since 1947 – nearly 70 years. They were married for 62 years before her death in 2009.
He was predeceased in life by his wife Marydith, sons Jim and Artie, brother Gayle and sister Marjorie. He is survived by his brother Paul, of Troutman, NC, sister-in-law, Wanda, daughter, Margaret and son, Tom of Washington, daughters-in law Sheila and Jan and son-in law Matthew as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Jim apprenticed as a Carpenter with AP&CC in Trona. He then started his own business building homes in Searles Valley. He retired after 35 years then joined his two sons in business by operating the Trona Hardware store. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to camp. He had a strong family influence, not only personally but within the community. His hobbies were centered around camping, hunting and fishing with family and lifelong friends. He really enjoyed trap shooting and that passion was shared by his children and their children.
A graveside service will be held at the Trona Cemetery, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a reception following at the family home. http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/20170923/james-wesley-haughton-september-20-1925—september-3-2017
