James Thomas LaHayne

United States Marine Corps Sergeant James Thomas LaHayne passed away on October 16, 2023 after his lengthy battle with service-related cancer.

LaHayne was born in Demorest, Georgia and raised in Batesville, Georgia. Having been the youngest of four children, LaHayne was very outgoing and loved growing up in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed playing basketball, hunting, fishing, going paintballing and airsofting with his friends, and coaching youth basketball. LaHayne and his wife, Staci, met while he was stationed at MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina. They shared their first date in High Point, North Carolina, where Staci is from. The pair later married and began their beautiful life together.

With a wish to honor those who have served before him, LaHayne decided to enlist in the USMC in December of 2011. He served as a powerline mechanic on C-130s, which he loved, along with mentoring junior Marines and helping others in their personal and professional lives. His main goal was to make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout his honorable career, LaHayne earned numerous awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Mast, a Certificate of Commendation and the Good Conduct Medal. Additionally, he was promoted to Sergeant in April of 2016. A little over one year later, LaHayne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Follicular Dendritic Sarcoma, attributed to carcinogens found in the water on base as well as on the aircraft he was working on. He received chemotherapy for almost five years before his cancer stopped responding to it. After several failed attempts with various treatment options, LaHayne was placed on hospice in September of 2023 and sadly succumbed to the disease one month later. He was 32 years old.

Staci currently resides in Georgia with her daughter, Bailee. She enjoys watching her daughter play softball, spending time at the lake and with family and friends. In the future, Staci is excited to continue to watch Bailee grow and advance through life. Receiving the donation of a mortgage-free home from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has allowed Staci to continue being a stay-at-home mom and prioritize herself and her daughter as they navigate their grief. Finally, Staci would like others to know that her husband was an incredible person and an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was devoted to Christ and sharing the Gospel with everyone. LaHayne is severely missed.

United States Marine Corps Sergeant James Thomas LaHayne is survived by his loving wife, Staci, and his beautiful daughter, Bailee.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the LaHayne family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.