Services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at First Baptist Church of Carlsbad for James Lee Hedin.
Hedin, 56, a former resident of Artesia, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017, in Lubbock, Texas.
Pastor Randy Land officiated at the services. Interment followed at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Ross Kirkes, Rocky West, Dan Thompson, Jerry Graham, Allen Hefner and Danny Masters.
James was born May 29, 1960, in Artesia to Alvin Morris and Edna (Jenks) Hedin. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1978 and had wonderful stories of growing up and having the freedom of a small town where everyone knew him.
On Feb. 6, 1982, he married Kathy Elana Hardgrave in El Paso, Texas, and the couple made their home in Carlsbad for the past 34 years.
James and Kathy have been members of First Baptist Church for 33 years and have also been involved in the Walk to Emmaus. He truly believed in the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed playing music at church, Emmaus, and with SonRise, a contemporary Christian band.
James was passionate about almost everything! He worked hard and loved people well. He celebrated life and always took the time to speak truth and love. James knew the value of every moment and knew our time on this Earth is short. He never failed to say what a gift he had been given in life and in family. James loved big, and he loved well.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Kathy; daughters Whitney L. Gaspar and husband Martin of Waco, Texas, and Laney M. Warren and husband Joe of Irving, Texas; mother Edna Jenks Hedin; grandchildren Liam Martin Gaspar, Mason James Gaspar and Audrey Jenks Gaspar; brothers John Alvin Hedin and wife Rachel of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Edward Morris Hedin and wife Becki of Ruidoso; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts.
Arrangements are under the direction of Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com.
