James "Jim" Francis Layden

James “Jim” Francis Layden

James “Jim” Francis Layden, age 82, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2022.  Jim was born on Monday, December 4, 1939, in Jamesville, WI to the late Edward Joseph Layden and Esther (Wik) Layden.  In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his five siblings: John Layden, Margaret Spangler, Norma Smisky, Claire Cunningham and Mildred Layden.

Jim’s survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joyce Diane (Crittenden) Layden; his two sons: Patrick Layden and wife, Xiaoman Ma, of Huntsville, AL; Sean Layden of Enola; his two daughters: Teresa “Terry” Layden of Toms River, NJ; Tracy Joynt and husband, James, of Mechanicsburg; his seven grandchildren; his two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim’s journey began on the first Monday of December in 1939.  His journey became two when he married the love of his life, Joyce, on February 28, 1959.  Jim spent time in the Army in both New Jersey and in El Paso, Texas, where Teresa and Patrick were born.  His journey continued on as a Federal Government employee, moving his family to Germany in 1964, where Tracy was born.  In 1967, the family moved to Greece, where Sean was born in an Air Force hospital in Turkey.  The family then moved to New Jersey for 2 years, Korea for 3 years in the 1970’s, then back to New Jersey for 47 years before settling in Pennsylvania in 2018.  With great sorrow, Jim’s personal journey ended on May 12, 2022, but his legacy and loving memories are strong and live on.

Jim’s family will be celebrating his life privately.  Cremation was private.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.