It still doesn’t seem real. I often think it’s not and I disconnect situation from reality. I still can’t wrap my head around that I can’t see you anymore. It doesn’t make sense. I’m not just out of town anymore and you are back in Jax. You are truly my hero, dad. You always have been and you always will be. YOU have made me want to strive for success and do my absolute best in everything I do. You either give it your all, or you don’t do it. Don’t half do it (as you would say). I know we all made you proud and will continue to do so. Unfortunately, Jen and Sam must have stolen all of your cooking skills and left me without any. But that’s okay- they can cook for me any day ;). You put on a good front of being a scary guy but you were such a teddy bear to us girls! You have set an amazing example as
to how to raise a family, being a father and a husband- and how to be as a person in general. The morals and ethics you instilled in us are truly irreplaceable (they aren’t taught these days- as you know). You talked me through so much in life. I can’t even remember how many times I called you while I was in college and needed advice. You would calm me down, listen to
me, and give me advice. I miss everything about you, dad. Your quick wit, intelligence, willing to do anything for anyone, how you valued your family, your amazing smile, your big ole’ belly with a beer sitting on top of it, us sitting outside in the garage talking about whatever. I miss it all. I want to come home and just see your face light up and kiss you and sit in your lap. I know you are looking out for us down here. I miss you
dearly and I love you so much daddy! Xoxo

P.s. You always said, “You better start paying attention because I’m not always going to be around.” Well… I guess I didn’t pay enough attention because I don’t know how to do this insurance stuff and I really need to call you and talk to you about it.

--- Hope that made you chuckle a little and shake your head (I was always good at getting you to do that- haha!) I LOVE YOU!!!!

My dad is my hero. He is the person I went to for everything. If I wasn't sure how long to cook something, I'd call dad. Not sure what to buy for fixing something, I'd call dad. There are many times when I want to pick up the phone and call him or go over just to see him and get a hug. My dad has been in my sister's and mine corner cheering us on from the moment we were born. He is a family man. He would just send us a text or call us out of the blue just to say he loved us. Everything about my dad I miss. My heart truly aches in a way I never thought was even possible. I know the memories will last for ever and those I will always cherish. You are my hero. I love you Daddy and always will!

It is hard to know what words to say about a man who was truly my hero. Dad and I had a very close relationship growing up because he was the one who took me to most of my soccer games (Mom had to miss a bunch so that she could take my sisters to theirs). I spent many hours riding shotgun with Dad, reading maps, talking about pretty much any topic under the sun and singing a wide variety of songs. He really helped round me into the person I am today. Dad made sure that I reached my potential in many things by forcing me to do things I did not necessarily want to do. He and Mom have always been my number one supporters in any goal I set for myself, especially in my soccer career. Dad and Mom have always put us girls first in everything. They continually sacrificed things so that we could have what we needed.They truly showed my sisters and I what GREAT parenting was all about. My Mom and Dad have always been the best team, best friends and truly an inspiration of what I wanted my marriage to be like. 
It is hard to express the sense of loss you feel when someone you love and cherish so dearly passes. My heart aches with longing to see him again. I think of him constantly every day and have had to adjust to not picking up my phone to call or text him when something happens in my life that I want to share. I miss his smile. I miss his bear hugs. I miss his laugh and his sharp intellect. I miss his cooking and his jokes. I miss hunting with him and just sitting out on the back deck or by the garage and talking about life or nothing over a beer. I miss when he would blast his favorite songs and sing on the top of his lungs. Dad was truly an incredible person, father, husband, friend and grandfather. It was an honor being his daughter. I love you Daddy and always will.

Just finding out about Jon. My condolences to the family. Knew Jon since our fraternity days at ATO in Gainesville in the late '70's..

I was lucky to work for Jon for several years. He was always supportive, encouraging, and understanding.  He was a great Building Official.  My family was even luckier to know Jon and Annette through our children, watching club or Fletcher soccer games.  What a great family. We are sorry for your loss. We have great memories of Jon that will stay with us forever.

I never had the honor of meeting Jon Hays in person, but I did come to know the part of him that lives inside his amazing daughter Jen.  I had the great fortune of Jen entering my life three years ago when she became my daughter's third grade teacher.  As our friendship blossomed over the years that followed, Jen's beloved father came gradually into focus. Like the twist of a spy glass, each story Jen shared sharpened my image of Jon Hays, and I began to spot him in her playful banter, her sharp wit, and her finesse in the kitchen.  I saw Jon's hardheadedness and his dogged loyalty as I watched my friend trudge steadfastly through the grief and fear to lead her family through the hellish weeks of her father's illness.  Not meeting Jon Hays in person is a great loss, but the part of him I've come to know and love will always burn brightly in my beautiful friend, his daughter Jen.

Awesome Dude, Another good Cowboy rides into the sunset, Sir, Fair winds and following seas, my friend.

Love and condolences to all.  I have many great memories of the Hays family and those precious three little girls that have now all grown up!  Jon will be your guardian angel just as he was on Earth.

To all of the Hays family - I am so sorry for your loss of Jon but he will live on in each and every one of you! I will miss Jon's quirky sense of humor.

I met Jon thru his close friend and my close friend Jim Brantley, and thru his mother Ms Hays. He has one of the funniest and sharpest wits, and while I didn't stay in contact with Jon or his family after 1981, Jim kept me updated when we talked. The pictures posted here truly show the wonderful, funny, and family loving sides of Jon. I am sorry I never got to meet his wife or daughters and I wish them all my most deepest and heartfelt sympathy. Yes Heaven gets a wonderful man and chef, but they will also be laughing and crying for many many years to come. Rest well Jon, your legacy lives in your daughters and their lives and one day we'll meet again and you can share the memories.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Annette and the girls. It was quite an experience to know and have the opportunity to work with Jon - always fun and kept you on your toes. I was saddened to hear the news and sorry I did not keep in closer touch. See you on the other my friend.

  There is an empty pair of shoes in our neighborhood that can never be filled, for those shoes carried with them a blessing to everyone, his big heart with all his love for family and friends, the smells of food wafting from his house,the sound of laughter and joy that only Jon (and Annette) could produce. Too much to put into words. There will forevermore be a void  in our community that, like those shoes, cannot be filled by anyone else. May God wrap his comforting arms around his family, friends, and our community. You will always be in our heart!  We love you Annette, Jennifer, Samantha and Taylor.

Jon was truly a great person to work for, his inspiration and guidance had a powerful impact on me to the point that I have saved a note he wrote to me on my last day with the City of Jacksonville Beach. I have missed our cooking days at work, getting to eat his awesome creations, sharing recipes, and most of all his smile, jokes, and belly laughs. He never failed to mention his love for Annette or his girls, I would sit in his office from time to time and listen to him talk about their accomplishments in soccer, or the next BMW to go to the shop, I still chuckle about the Beemers. My heart goes out to his entire family, friends, and co-workers, the world has lost a wonderful person who without fail could find a bright spot, and humor in any situation.  I have no doubt he will forever be watching over his loved ones from above until they are united again. Thoughts and prays

To the entire Hays family, I am heartbroken for all of you. Jon was a good guy with a great sense of humor. He will be missed in so many ways and by so many people. You are all in our prayers to find peace and calm in this difficult time. Love you...

 David and I share the sentiments of all Jon's co-workers. Dave was hired a couple months after Jon and the relationship that developed between the two of them over the last 17+ years was one that will be cherished by Dave forever. Jon was a great Supervisor, confidant, and best friend to Dave not only in the Building Department of Jacksonville Beach but in life. They shared countless hours and hours of jokes, talk of political views, their love of country, gun enthusiasm, and of family. Jon's conversations with everyone always circled around to Annette and the girls. They were paramount in his life and that was so evident to us when we spent time with them. Annette, Jen, Tay and Sam, and family - you are in our daily thoughts and we are praying that each of you will receive God's peace and comfort. We will miss Jon greatly and we are deeply saddened but we know we will see him again and that heaven has gained a good and faithful servant.

Jon was the bright light to so many.  His humor will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Annette and the family.

We are so sorry to hear of Jon's passing.  Jon's joy for life and happy smile will be missed by all.  Thoughts and prayers for Annette and their family.

It was my great pleasure to have worked for Jon for so many years and think of him as a true friend.  Sympathy to all his family,friends and coworkers he will certainly be greatly missed.  I will always remember his smiling face and great humor!!  May he rest in peace and watch over all his girls and Annette that he loved so much.

My sincerest condolences to Annettte and family. Sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

What beautiful words for an extraordinary man. I am so so sad that he is not a part of this world any more. It was a better place with him in it. He was my boss and my friend, and also my encyclopedia on occasion (if I could get him to give me the real people answers).He knew a LOT about a LOT!  I learned so much from him. It makes me smile to think of him cooking up a storm in Heaven. I miss his yummy creations. I miss asking his opinion on something I made and knowing he would tell me the truth. I miss working with him and laughing with him. I miss when he knew that I was coming to his office and he would hide around the corner (I always found him) I even miss those times he was being a stinker. He and Annette built an extraordinary family. I have been lucky to count them as friends. They raised their girls to be strong and confident and amazing. He was always so proud of them! They had the kind of relationship I wanted to find. (And I did) I pray you will all find comfort and peace with him watching over you....

My prayers and sympathy to Annette and his daughters. I have wonderful memories of working with Jon for 10 years  He always had a smile on his face and always had a moment to sit and chat with me. He was a great cook...especially his Brunswick Stew. He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He will truly be missed. I know he's looking down on his family with a big smile on his face. Rest in peace, Jon.

My deepest sympathy to Annette and family.  Jon was a special person and will be greatly missed. I have a special place in my heart for this couple.  They generously lent me a car when mine was in the shop.  I'll never forget their kindness.  I'll miss passing Jon in the hall at work.  He always had a smile and a greeting. I'll miss his special treats, he was a good cook.  Our office benefited from his talent. Heaven gained another angel and he is smiling down on everyone. Prayers and love to Annette and all her family.

I didn't know Jon the Chef, but it was my great pleasure to have worked beside him for over 17 years. Jon served the City of Jacksonville Beach as its Building Official, and I have to say he was the best hire I ever made. His knowledge and dedication to his craft was unmatched. The City has lost a great public servant. Rest in peace my friend!

OBITUARY

Jonathan Hays

21 December, 1958 – 2 September, 2016

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

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