James Lee Haynes was a young soldier in the U.S. Army when he disappeared under suspicious circumstances in December 1963. On or about December 7, 1963, Haynes left Baltimore, Maryland, reportedly hitchhiking to Maben, West Virginia, to visit his parents. His brother-in-law drove him from Baltimore to the intersection of Highways 40 and 340 near Frederick, Maryland, where Haynes exited the vehicle around 6:00 a.m., dressed in his Army Class "A" (green) uniform. He was carrying a suitcase and had approximately $8 in cash.

Later that same day, a witness came forward and told the West Virginia State Police she had picked up a hitchhiking soldier near Frederick, Maryland, in the early morning hours of December 7. She stated she dropped him off at the intersection of U.S. Highway 21 and West Virginia Highway 61 in Oak Hill, West Virginia, around 2:00–3:00 p.m. During the ride, the soldier told her his name was "Haynes" and that he was on his way to visit his parents in Maben, which is approximately 49 miles from Oak Hill.

James Lee Haynes has not been seen or heard from since. Despite an extensive investigation by Army CID, the West Virginia State Police, and local authorities, no trace of Haynes has ever been found. There was no evidence to suggest he had deserted the military, and foul play is suspected in his disappearance.

What You Can Do

If you have any information about what happened to James Lee Haynes, please contact the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, Raleigh County Sheriff's Department, or West Virginia State Police.

He is listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) under case number MP42342.

Even after decades, James’s loved ones are still waiting for answers. It only takes one person, one memory, one moment of courage to help bring him home.

Physical Description

Height: 5’5”

Weight: 135-155 pounds

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Race/Ethnicity: White / Caucasian

Distinguishing Marks: Haynes has a large round scar on his back and a scar on the lower portion of his chest. He is also subject to facial spasms