James Edward "Hitman" Haynes

James Edward "Hitman" Haynes - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Danny Williamson 11/20/2020

USGenWeb NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations.

In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included.

These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit.

Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

James Edward "Hitman" Haynes - Madison Parish, Louisiana
New Orleans Times-Picayune November 19, 2020

James Edward "Hitman" Haynes, Age 60, passed away on Saturday, November 14,2020 at 3:15 PM. He was born in Tallulah, LA and was a longtime resident of St. Bernard Parish. Mr. Haynes moved to Waxahachie, TX where he lived until his death.

James was a former NFL linebacker for the New Orleans Saints from 1984 to 1989 and was a retired truck driver.

Beloved husband of Linda Ballard Haynes and father of James Jr., Randon Haynes and Ashley H. Stepfather of Jarvis Roy Ballard and Quandreka Bennett. Grandfather of Jade and Mya Haynes, Ashton Ballard and Paige Bennett. Also survived by his mother, Carrie Haynes McClay and step-father, Clay McClay; three sisters in law and one brother-in-law, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Celebration honoring the life of James Edward "Hitman" Haynes will be held at Living Cornerstone Church, 714 W. St. Bernard Parkway, Poydras, LA on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 12 O'clock noon, Bishop Ronnie London, Officiating. Interment First Baptist Church Cemetery, Verrett, LA. Visitation 11 AM in the church.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, Everyone in attendance is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Strictly Enforced. Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralhome.com. Final Arrangements entrusted to Charbonnet Family Services (504) 302-1520.

From neworleanssaints.com November 20, 2020

Former New Orleans Saints linebacker James Edward "Hitman" Haynes died Saturday, Nov. 14 at the age of 60 in Waxahachie, Texas.

Haynes played six seasons for the New Orleans Saints from 1984-89, and was part of the first winning season and first playoff team in franchise history in 1987.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker competed in 61 career games, starting 23. He recovered five fumbles, recorded four sacks and had an interception return for a touchdown for New Orleans. The latter came Sept. 24, 1986 when Haynes returned an interception 17 yards for a score in the second quarter of a 24-10 win over Green Bay at the Superdome.

Haynes started all 16 games at right outside linebacker, opposite Rickey Jackson, in Jim Mora's first year as coach of the Saints. Pat Swilling took over that spot in 1987 while Haynes remained a valuable reserve and special teams player.

"He was a great soul, I mean just a great person," Swilling said Friday. "He taught me some things about playing the position. And look, he knew sooner or later that I was going to be the starter, but he never, ever wavered or treated me any differently from Day One, and I appreciated that. We got to be really, really good friends."

The player who made No. 92 a familiar number in the Black and Gold, earned the nickname "Hitman" for his hard-hitting style.

"We called him 'Hitman' because he'd hit anything that moved, man." Swilling said.

Born in Tallulah, La., Haynes starred for Tallulah High School before playing at Coahoma Community College and at Mississippi Valley State.

Haynes played six seasons in the NFL, all as a member of the Saints.

Upon retirement from the league, Haynes worked as a truck driver, and settled in Waxahachie, outside of Dallas.

Haynes is survived by his wife, Linda Ballard Haynes, along with children James Jr., Randon and Ashley. Haynes is also survived by stepchildren Jarvis Roy Ballard and Quandrika Bennett.