James Thomas LaHayne

James Thomas LaHayne, 32, of Clarkesville, GA, died after his valiant battle against cancer, on October 16, 2023.

Thomas was born in Demorest, GA in 1991 to Rick and Cathy Bates LaHayne, of Batesville. He attended Habersham Central High School before joining the Marine Corps in December of 2011. He honorably served his country in the Marine Corps until he was medically retired in October 2020. Thomas served his country, and the Marine Corps as a powerline Mechanic on C130s.

Thomas married the love of his life, Staci on September 21, 2013. They welcomed their beautiful daughter Bailee two years later, on April 5, 2015. As a family they spent their time outdoors, hunting or at the ballfield. Thomas loved watching Bailee play sports, and spent a lot of his time coaching her basketball and softball teams. He was a lifelong UGA and Braves fan, and was blessed to take his daughter to her first game opportunities for both teams this year.

Everyone who knew Thomas knew how much he loved hunting, and working with his hands. He was proud to graduate from the Sonoran Desert Institute with his Associates Degree in FireArm Technology. He spent his free time building guns, sharing his knowledge with friends and family, and hunting in the great outdoors. Thomas’ final wish was for all of his family and friends to come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior so that they could all be together with him in Heaven.  

Thomas was preceded in death by numerous loved ones including his maternal grandparents Thomas and Nancy Bates of Cornelia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Staci LaHayne and daughter Bailee Jade LaHayne. He is also survived by his father and mother, Rick and Cathy LaHayne, siblings, Justin LaHayne, Zachary LaHayne and Nancy Woodbury, loving in-laws, his life-long friend Austin Tench, as well as 14 nieces, nephews, other relatives, as well as a host of friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville with Rev. Scott Doster, Rev. Brian Stephens, & Rev. Gordon Sanders officiating.

The family will receive friends at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023.

Donations to Take the Trip Foundation (Jason Carroll) secure.givelively.org/donate/take-the-trip-foundation, HCLC, or the Nancy Bates Scholarship, in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated.

As a final request the family asks that you take a moment to enjoy a bowl of Ramen in honor and memory of Thomas, as it was a favorite food after his time spent with the Marine Corps in Japan.

An online guest registry is available for the LaHayne family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com

Donations to Take the Trip Foundation (Jason Carroll) secure.givelively.org/donate/take-the-trip-foundation, to HCLC in care of the Nancy Bates Endowment Fund, 188 Owens Circle, Mount Airy, GA. 30563 in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256