Businessman, entrepreneur and former racecar team owner James (Jim) Samuel Hayhoe kept his cancer at bay for over 10 years before finally succumbing on Monday, March 15 at his home in La Quinta, Calif. He was 74.
Hayhoe, a developer of upscale country club and retirement communities, had a life-long interest in motorsports. He attended his first Indy car race in 1951. In 1967, at the age of 32, Hayhoe entered his first car in the Indianapolis 500 and made the field, finishing sixth, in his second attempt in 1968. Over the years his drivers included Roger McCluskey, Art Pollard, Ronnie Duman, Bruce Walkup and Jimmy Vasser.
“Jim was not only a very dear friend, but also a mentor," said Vasser. "To put it simply, he was the guy who gave me my break in Indy car racing. If not for him, I would not be where I am today. He will be missed dearly.”
Added longtime Indycar team manager Jim McGee: “Jim was a very close friend and business associate. He had a tremendous passion for motor racing and a remarkable ability to sell and create entities. We will all miss his enthusiasm and lust for life.”
Hayhoe is survived by his wife Kathryn and two children, son, John Hayhoe and daughter Jill Roy. Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 47225 Washington Street, La Quinta, Calif., at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 25. The family requests that instead of sending flowers: “What Jim would have loved most is to please honor his memory by reaching out to someone dear to you and brightening that person's day with an unexpected phone call, a bouquet of flowers or some special time together.”