Jess Albert Hyden

Jess Albert Hyden, 79, of Coeur d’ Alene died January 28, 2023, at his home. Jess was born on January 3, 1944, in Marble, Arkansas to Jesse Albert and Annie Rebecca Cain-Hyden. Raised in Buena Park, California with his younger brother Richard. He graduated from Buena Park High School in 1962. Jess joined the Air Force at 17 as an airplane mechanic, retired as a Master Sergeant in 1981, moving to Coeur d’ Alene in 1983.

Jess served in Vietnam, where he received the Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, the Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was voted Airman of the Quarter for his record of keeping his B52 in service.

During his 30-year career in the Air Force, he was also stationed at March AFB in Riverside, CA, McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA and Castle AFB in Merced, CA where he also received the AF Commendation Medal, the AF Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf cluster, the AF Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf clusters, and others.

Jess married Patricia Talbot in 1964 in Buena Park, CA. They were best friends and happily married for 58 years. He is survived by his wife Patricia, Cd’A two daughters and son in laws Rebecca (Rudy) Darnell, Cd’A Elizabeth (Bob) Williams, Spokane.  Two sons and daughter in laws CW3 Ralph (US Army serving in Germany) (Tammy) Hyden in Hephzibah, GA, Jess (Shumin) Hyden Jr. in Gilbert, AZ. Jess was the proud and loving grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Jess loved good humor, the Air Force, woodworking, cake decorating, Learning, and most of all his family. His and Patricia’s favorite things to do were trivia quizzes, watch British mysteries, and enjoyed being together. He had a gruff exterior with a poet’s heart. Laughter and wisdom, honor and family describe him. He was much loved and will be forever missed.