James Hayes
James L. Hayes, 57, Potomac, IL passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital after a long battle with lung disease. He was born on April 10, 1952 in Kokomo, IN to William R. Hayes, Sr. and Ella Jean (Karnes) Dillman. On September 18, 1970 he married Deborah A (Yeary) Hayes.
Jim served in the Marine Corps honorably for over 20 years. Upon his retirement, he worked as a maintenance supervisor with Bell Sports where he retired due to his lung disease. He won the first round of the battle with a double lung transplant that allowed him to enjoy the last year of his life not tethered to an oxygen machine that was his life line for over 10 years.
The greatest joys in his life where his children; James Curtis Hayes (Billie “Doney” Hayes), Raymond Anthony Hayes, Heather Lee Ann Hayes, and the happiness in his heart were his grandchildren; Blythe, JayCi, Coy, and Kaylin.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by his step-mother, Isabelle Hayes; two brothers, Robert Hayes and Kevin Hayes; three sisters, Terry Name, Patricia Sprouse, and Sherry Hayes.
His parents and four brothers; Kent Pierce, Randall Hayes, David Hayes, and Mitchell Pierce preceded him in death.
Aunt Debbie, Curtis, Heather, and Anthony,
The boys and I are thinking of you guys and your families while you go through this. I will always remember my Uncle Jim as the man who refused to let me stand alone on the dance floor…those moments are what we have to focus on and take with us. I love you guys, and if you need anything, you know we are one phone call away. **hugs**
Love, Kelly
I WILL REMEMBER JIM WHO WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND LAUGHING. A JOY TO BE AROUND. YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
I LOVE YOU ALL!! LYNN
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Rick, Kathy and Mackenzie
Debbie and Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers.