James LeRoy Hay, age 90, of Richland, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2026. He was born on February 25, 1936, in Rochelle, Illinois. He started school in Beloit, Wisconsin. He attended grades K through Grade 3. During the 3^rd grade in February of 1945 he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was enrolled in Old Town School and finished the 3^rd grade at New Armijo School. He attended Lavaland School grades 4 thru 6, Ernie Pyle Jr. school grades 7 thru 9. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1954 and then attended University of New Mexico. He worked for Safeway Stores from 1952 till 1956.

On August 2, 1956 Jim started at Sandia National Laboratories as a Machinest Helper. In 1956 while at Sandia, Jim met the person who would change his life for the best for the rest of his life. Barbara Lois Carey and Jim were married in the chapel at St Paul’s Lutheran Church on November 9, 1957.

In November of 1958 Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army. Jim attended Basic Training at Ft. Carson, Colorado; Military Police School at Ft. Gordon, Georgia; and Sentry Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. After completing his training Barbara, Shadow, and Jim were moved to Camp Hanford, Washington with Jim’s dog Trip where they spent the rest of his tour of duty living in Pasco, Washington. Jim was proud of his military service and frequently shared memories of his assignments and travels. Jim received two 1^st Missile Battalion Soldier of the Month awards in October 1959 and April 1960, and was honorably discharged in October 1964.

Jim spent 11 years at Sandia National Laboratories, completing the Sandia National Laboratories Machinist Apprenticeship Program and becoming a Model and Instrument Maker Machinist. He later joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he devoted 44 years to Operations, Maintenance, and Construction working on the Columbia and Snake River Dams. Jim earned numerous awards and commendations and was widely respected for his extensive knowledge of dam operations and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim dedicated many years to volunteer service with the Shriners. Jim organized numerous local clinics where children were identified for medical assistance and regularly drove the Shriners van between the Tri-Cities and Spokane, transporting children and their families to the Shriners Hospital for specialized care. He also participated in community parades and events, proudly representing the organization and its mission. Jim’s volunteer work reflected his deep compassion for others and his desire to support children in need, leaving a meaningful impact on countless families.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara; children Michael (Robin), Mark (Cecilia), and Laura (Harold); grandchildren Trevor (Stephanie), Brendan, Courtney (D.J.), Sydnee (Will), Kylie, Lexi, Leila, Arabella, and Julian; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters Gerry Jewell and Jane Vance; and sister-in-law Janet Goulet. Jim was preceded in death by his grandmother, Minnie Reiter, mother-in-law, Donna Walker, and brother-in-law Ed Goulet.

Jim leaves behind a legacy defined by dedication, integrity, and profound love for his family, who will forever cherish his memory.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor his many contributions and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.