James Dean Spradley, known to most in the Cannabis community as Hazard503, carried countless layers in his soul. He was a passionate Cannabis activist, a captivating tastemaker and a legendary indie wrestler adored by devoted fans. Born in the ‘80s, he cherished every comic convention and joyously reveled in pop culture. Music ran through him — he could find the perfect song for every mood, every heartache, every triumph. But above all, beyond these intricate worlds that defined James, he was first and forever a family man who will be remembered for the love he wrapped around those closest to him.
“He was a kind, loving father, a brother and uncle,” Brandon Dunn, James’ brother, best friend and caregiver, explained to the Leaf. “He’s super kind, loving and caring. Would give the shirt off his back … It’s hard to be without him.”
With his departure, James leaves behind cherished friends and unwavering support structures, but most heartbreakingly, he leaves his two daughters: 14-year-old Star and 6-year-old Shelby. They were his world, the brightest sparks in his life, and he treasured them above everything.
James fought a courageous battle for six long years against Stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer that metastasized to his liver and esophagus. But, multiple death sentences didn’t stop James from fighting with a strength most can only imagine mustering.
“They keep saying two weeks to live, two weeks to live. I said, ‘Fuck it,’ I’m just going to live my life and get out there,” James told the Oregon Leaf at a 420 event earlier this year.
His unyielding fight against cancer and the unwavering love he shared are a beacon for anyone facing medical adversity. James credited RSO and his fierce will to cling to every moment with his loved ones as the roots of his resilience. James is etched in the memories of those in the Cannabis community fortunate enough to know him, not only as a connoisseur and a friend to share a smoke with, but as someone who turned ordinary moments into treasured memories — moments infused with laughter, closeness and the warmth of his connection.
“He wasn’t just a knowledgeable person; he was also a kind gentleman who felt safe,” Charlyn Martin, a friend of James since 2019, explained. “As a person, he cared about others. He wasn’t just what we all saw in the Cannabis community; it was deeper than that.”
James left his final words on his Instagram account: “I love you all, and I cherish the time you spent in my life.”
What can be said when a loss is so grievous that it leaves a planet-sized hole in the hearts of those left behind? There is nothing that can ever replace the absence of James in the lives of his friends, his family or the greater communities he graced with his time and presence. We cherish the beautiful memories we had with him, while mourning a world that is irreparably less warm without James.
Rest in peace and power, James Dean Spradley.
