James "Jim" Edward Hayworth

James Edward Hayworth, 75, was born to Roy S and Mary (Coady) Hayworth on June 28, 1947. He was the oldest of two siblings and the only boy. He was the apple of his mother’s eye according to his sister, their mother never thought Jim did anything wrong! He attended St. Mary’s parochial school where he served as an ornery altar boy for Father Heinen. He graduated from Albia High School with the Class of ’65. There are many stories to share as Jim had no fear and was willing to try anything once. These stories shall remain with Jim! His love of cattle and horses found him on the farms of both his grandparents. He convinced his dad to acquire a barn just outside the city limits so he could tend to his horse daily. His devotion to horses was very apparent, and he carried the love for these beautiful animals through his entire lifetime. As a young adult, and much to the worry of his parents, he found a love of riding bronco bulls and followed the rodeo circuit. Once, and only once, he did admit his bad back might have something to do with the bulls. Jim could often be found at the Albia Sale Barn which led to many of his friendships and his love of driving cattle trucks. Jim attended the community college in Muscatine and joined the National Guard during this period. Jim married Barb Sterling and two beautiful daughters were born, Shellie and Sonya. Jim shared his love for horses with his daughters and they were in horse competitions for several years. Jim and Barb later divorced. For most of Jim’s adult life, he worked by driving a vehicle of some kind. From cattle trucks to hauling diesel to becoming the “Lance Cracker Man” serving most of the southeast Iowa businesses and courthouses. Later, you would find Jim driving the lift truck at Menards in Ottumwa. When Jim married Karen Mooney, he found his perfect partner as Karen loved horses and everything outdoors. Jim’s dream was to administer therapeutic care to thoroughbred horses and he and Karen worked hard to achieve this dream, but it wasn’t in the cards for them. Jim continued his love for horses through his involvement with 4-H and providing instructions to numerous children who wanted to gain knowledge of horses. Jim suffered a major heart attack followed by open heart surgery and his health took a turn. For the first time in his life, Jim put his health as a priority and with Karen as his nurse and advocate, they returned home to Albia and moved into Jim’s childhood home. Jim found peace and contentment living within the yard, the workshop, and the home his parents once loved. Jim was never a fan of socializing in a group, eating in a restaurant, wearing a suit, or driving out of town for anything unless absolutely necessary. He was a fan of hosting family Christmas gatherings, sitting in their backyard enjoying Karen’s landscaping and gardening efforts, eating Karen’s sugar cookies, and tinkering in his dad’s workshop. He was a proud dad seeing all the accomplishments of his daughters, enjoyed hearing the ornery stories of the grandchildren and didn’t think he was old enough to be a great grandpa. Jim died Wednesday, April 12, 2023, following a lengthy health condition. Jim is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Shellie (Bryan) Long, Sonya (Todd) Mutchler; step-daughter Robyn (Dan) Thompson, stepson Scott Mooney, Grandchildren: Brody (Ashley Sheedy) Long, Bryce and Brock Long, Braxton Cooksey, Chale Mutchler, Nora Mutchler, Ethan Cooksey, Whitney (Gray) Lovelace, Jordyn (Chris) Roach; a darling little great granddaughter, Adalynn Long; his sister Sandra Anderson and nieces Heather Anderson and Ashlee (Bryon) Stilley and family, sister in law Elaine Krusemark, his Aunt Rose Self, and the Self, Keller, and McDonald cousins. Proceeding Jim in death are his parents, Roy and Mary Hayworth; grandparents, Pierce and Rose Coady, Roy and Nora Hayworth; granddaughter, Colbie Cooksey, Bethanne Cooksey; brother-in-law, Chris Anderson; father-in-law, Luther Krusemark. Per Jim’s wishes, his body has been cremated and no formal services will be held. A memorial will be designated at a later date. If you wish, acknowledgements can be sent to Tharp Funeral Home c/o Karen Hayworth. If there is a song to describe Jim Hayworth, it would have to be “I Did It My Way”!

James "Jim" Edward Hayworth

June 28, 1947 - April 12, 2023