Known to friends as Jimmy he was a Chester City Councillor and Alderman and he became Chester's Sheriff in 1932.

From the Sheriff's roll of honour board Town Hall Chester
He was first elected as a Conservative councillor for St.Oswald in November 1923.

James Haselden was a wheelwright by trade and ran a business in Delamere Street Chester producing and selling mangles. It is understood that these mangles carried the name 'HASELDEN'. He is also understood to have had business interests in Liverpool. Prior to 1911 he moved into Willowdene (no:12) with his wife Sophie. He died in c.May 1938. By 1939 only his wife is named in the Electoral Roll for Upton Park. No evidence has been identified of them having had any children.

Jimmy Haselden was the Sunday School Superintendent at Upton's parish Church of the Holy Ascension . For many years he organised a coach excursion in August - going alternately to Rhyl and New Brighton. Jimmy's good nature allowed anyone in Upton to join in including those who had never attended the Sunday School. Although the main event costs were carried by the Church it appears that many of the extras were funded directly by the man himself. On the New Brighton outings the children were taken to the fun fair and on the ferry across the Mersey.

Stan Whaley's memoirs (see his Park Reminiscences) recall being allowed to play the Haseldens harsh and out of tune piano.