EULOGY TO A FALLEN PILOT
Written by Jane Hyden
Read by Carole Hyden Peoples at the funeral of James D. Hyden on January 19,
2000 in Bakersfield, California
James was always diligent and innovative. When he was about nine years old he learned of a place where he could buy bottles two for a nickel, and another place where he could sell them for a nickel apiece. The two places were many blocks apart, but he bought the first two bottles with the only nickel he had. Then walked to sell them two for a dime. Then he took his dime and walked the distance back to buy four bottles. He continued doing this until the bottles were all gone. The day ended with a very tired but happy boy because he had amassed his fortune of at least eight cents.
Another time he mixed plaster of paris with kerosene making golf-sized balls with wire handles. He went to the "poorer" area of the city and sold them door to door as bed=bug killers. When someone asked him if he was sure they would kill the bugs, he thought awhile, and then answered, "If you hit them hard enough".
His first love was always airplanes and flying. This began about the time that Charles Lindbergh flew the Atlantic. At that time pilots would take a passenger up and take a turn above the airport for one dollar. Then if someone could sell five tickets for this, they could have a free ride. Needless to say James became an earnest twelve year old sales person, and did enjoy several rides.
He was also very adept at making model airplanes, his only materials being a sheet of balsa wood, some glue, some paint, and a single edged razor blade. A small white Waco he made won a ribbon at the State Fair.
When James was very young his family moved to Oklahoma City. He graduated from Oklahoma Central High School taking courses in aeronautics and drafting. This training helped him to become employed by Hughes (oilfield) Tool Company owned by Howard Hughes, Sr.
Later he moved to Santa Monica and was employed as a tool designer by Douglas Aircraft. Through a neighbor, who was a pilot, he learned how he could buy blocks of time and become a student pilot. He pursued this course diligently on weekends, earning his pilot's license, then instructors and eventually commercial ratings. After some time working as an instructor, he was employed by Richfield (later ARCO) Oil Company until he retired.
His diligence, self-motivation and talent culminated in a successful fulfilling life and career.