James Haley Obituary

James Waldron Haley
October 1, 1958 – May 17, 2025
James Waldron Haley, 66, of Old Concord Turnpike (Route 4) Barrington, NH, died unexpectedly on Saturday May 17th, 2025. He passed away suddenly in his treasured family home.
James, frequently referred to as Jim, was born on October 1st, 1958, in Rochester, NH; son of Waldron Buttler Haley and Grace McDaniel Haley. He was raised in Barrington, NH.
He studied at a variety of schools where he demonstrated a number of talents; notably he was known for playing basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His curious mind led him to Vassar College where he studied astrophysics, followed by studies abroad at St. Andrew's in Scotland and Emerson College in England. There he studied biodynamic farming after becoming inspired by the work of anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner. After graduating, he became interested in Mental Health Counseling and began working at Portsmouth Hospital where he remained as an emergency Mental Health Counselor for 19 years. In that time, he attended a Master's degree program at Cambridge College.
Apart from his studies, his adventurous spirit led him to backpack Europe, hike with monks in Thailand, and farm in Australia. Jim frequently traveled to Brazil after meeting his wife, Carina Carvalho Haley, where she was born and raised. In 2023, he fell in love with the West Coast during a trip through Oregon and Washington with his family. He had been planning a return visit for this August.
Jim was also an avid fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics. He had a keen interest in numismatics, particularly Buffalo coins and had fun mapping astrological transits for his close family and friends. Jim's true passion, however, was forestry. He found great joy managing the woods and stones of his historic bicentennial McDaniel Farm in Barrington, NH where he built an impressive stone wall in front of the Route 4 home.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Carina Carvalho Haley of Fortaleza Brazil and his cherished only child Joey J.C. Haley; his son-like-nephew Tyrso Carvalho Filho, Tyrso's wife Kerrie Dodson Carvalho, and their daughters; Ana Maria and Grace Carvalho, whom Jim cherished as his soul granddaughters. He is also survived by his siblings Lawrence Haley and his partner Dan Hart, Donetta Haley, Alan Haley, Vanessa Haley Rizzo and husband Mark Rizzo, and niece and nephew Liana and Dan Rizzo.
Jim's kindness, generosity, and deep love for his family and friends will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Above all, Jim was a loving husband, father, son, uncle, and "Papa Jim"-a magnet for children and pets alike. Jim always brought joy and laughter to those around him. He believed deeply in living a life of compassion and often shared this wisdom: "Where there is criticism, love dwindles."
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A Celebration of James's life will be held on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, with visitation from 12:00pm - 1:00pm at Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road (Rt. 4) Lee, NH 03861. The service will begin at 1pm and officiated by Minister and first cousin, Marilyn Taylor. A reception to follow at Purdy Memorial Chapel in Lee, NH.
Memorial donations may be made to the Barrington Historical Society in his name.
To sign our online guestbook, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com