Page 101 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

Assigned as an F-4 Phantom Aircraft Commander to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the famed “Wolfpack” at Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, he flew 140 missions in Rolling Thunder operations over North Vietnam. Two subsequent combat tours at Phu Cat, South Vietnam and at Takhli, Thailand during Linebacker I raised his total combat missions to 356. He was awarded five Distinguished Flying Crosses (with “V” device for heroism) and 22 Air Medals among other medals and decorations. “Peacetime” duty included stations in Japan and the United Kingdom and nuclear alert duty – potentially being part of Armageddon - in Korea, the United Kingdom and Italy. He also served as an instructor pilot, helping to retrain returned POWs in the F-4 Phantom. He had a very deep love of his country and was always very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve America in this manner. He was a life member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Distinguished Flying Cross Society, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing Association, 80th Fighter Squadron Association and National Rifle Association.
On leaving the Air Force in 1976, he attended the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College, receiving his MBA in 1978. Following a short period as auditor and computer systems analyst, he found his niche in the municipal bond field where he spent the rest of his career, ending with managing his own very successful organization in Seattle. After diligent study, he was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, the gold standard in the financial services industry.
Jonathan’s Air Force peregrinations had militated against the more tender side and he did not tie the knot until he was 33. Although it is a well-established tradition among Hayes males to have excellent taste in women, Jonathan failed disastrously in his first marriage, which collapsed acrimoniously. He did learn from his mistakes and had the extreme good sense to marry Susan Corcoran in 1988, a marriage which worked out quite well due to Susan’s patient tolerance of his many foibles. He regarded his marriage to Susan as the best and most fortunate decision he ever made. He could not have asked for a better or more loving life companion than Susan; she gave him many years of great happiness. Due in part to his lack of philoprogenitiveness, there were no children from either of his marriages.
Jonathan and Susan both enjoyed independent international travel and journeyed to all parts of the world. He was active in the military community of Corvallis, serving as President of the Military Officers Club of Corvallis. He also served as Chairman of the American Branch of the Richard III Society and delivered several well-received papers at their annual meetings. He was honored to be elected as Vice President of the parent, British Richard III Society and always valued the friendships he had gained in that organization.
Regular exercise was an important priority for Jonathan and helped to keep him fit and healthy. He was a life-long dedicated blood donor and staunch supporter of the work of BloodWorks Northwest. Observation of the birdlife in his garden was also a great joy for him. He had a great love of animals and was “owned” at different times by a Great Pyrenees dog and several cats. Always eager to try new things, in his 70s he channeled his Revolutionary War ancestors and took up shooting a flintlock musket. His medieval interests led him to also begin shooting an English longbow. He was a member of the Albany Rifle and Pistol Club,
the Forest Hills Black Powder Brigade and the Benton Bowmen. He spent many happy hours at the gun and archery ranges puncturing innocent targets.
Jonathan was always cognizant that his life had been very fortunate in how it had turned out. He was never concerned about when or how it would end and wanted no mourning. He specifically stated there was to be no funeral or memorial service. Instead he left money for a private family celebratory party – champagne, music and laughter. His ashes will be scattered over an Oregon vineyard – he will come back as an exceptionally fine year. Raise your glasses. God Bless America!
SUMMER 2020 / DFCS News Magazine / 101