We will miss the man that always emphasized the importance of family and integrity.  
We will try to honor him by passing these values to our children.
Love
Seth and Susan Gammon

Joyce would always write the best Christmas letters & it kept me updated on what was happening with her, Jim & Christopher. Jim was always there whenever i needed him. When my dad passed in 1998 stood by me during the visitation. He was more like a brother than a cousin. I will miss him greatly.

Love you always Uncle Jim. The absolute core memories made in your home - alongside you, your wife, and son - I will carry that happiness, joy, adventure, and love forever. Thank you. 











































RIP Jim,

Former teammate








I was friends with Chris growing up and always enjoyed my time around Jim,  Joyce, and of course Chris. I remember how nice Jim was.  I am remembering Jim's soft and caring spirit. He was always so nice to me. His love and admiration for Chris was always evident. Jim was a fun and gracious host as we oftentimes found ourselves playing basketball or socializing at the home gym. As I reach back into my memory,  I would say it was during carpooling to sports that provided me the most time with Jim. A really nice guy through and through. Chris,  we support you and are here for you. 


Jim is now with his beloved Joyce. ❤️😔
Condolences to Christopher and Jim’s family. 

Jim was my best friend.  Jim and Joyce were neighbors and we met them through neighbors who were mutual friends. Fast forward a few years - I had a concrete pad poured in our back yard and put up a basketball goal for our kids to play basketball.  One day this guy walked up to our back door and asked if he could shoot some hoops.  That was how we got to know Jim and Joyce and the rest, as they say, is history.  Turns out Jim and Joyce had a son the same age as our son and our families became close friends.  Over the years we spent a lot of time together, and went out to dinner nearly every week.  We shared good times and bad.  Jim and I shared a love of muscle cars, good music, biscuits and gravy and of course our families.  We became close and talked about everything under the sun.  We would go to breakfast usually once a week and talk about what was going on in our lives, our kids, politics, the stock market, our joys and fears, everything.  When Joyce passed, Jim was devastated, as we all were, but it was obvious how much he loved her and missed her.  He didn’t think he would ever overcome the grief of her loss.  After Jim decided to move to Denver to spend more time with his son, Chris, I was heartened to know that he had found someone he could share love with again.  Susy meant a lot to Jim and he would talk about the things they did and places they went together.  Even after Jim moved to Denver, we still talked frequently and when he came to visit in Springfield, Jim stayed with us.  I loved Jim like a brother and I will miss him tremendously.  I still can’t believe you’re  gone Jim.  Rest In Peace brother.

Jim and I met thru a mutual friend in June of 2020. We are both central Illinois transplants living in Colorado. We had both lost our beloved spouses, one week apart in June of 2017 after 40 plus years of marriage. Both broken heart after such losses he called me and we met for lunch. What started as a friendship bonding over our grief turns into a special love. We both brought laughter, joy and hope back into each other’s lives. My favorite memories are when a group of young men stopped to tells us at a 3 Doors Down concert, “ you two are the best looking couple here”! We were both so flattered. Dancing to the last song played that night ( tears). He called me Pretty Girl and I called him Superman. I will miss those blue eyes, the grin I could put on his face, the Sundays at Vern Cafe, and Sparge brewery. He loved Margaritas and wouldn’t let me buy him a cowboy hat because it would flatten his hair. So many happy memories in such a short time. I’m so glad we were brave and took a chance on love again.  RIP Superman ❤️

Remember playing basketball at Jim's house
all hours of the day and night in high school.
Always a gentleman and the nicest guy you
would ever want to know. Enjoyed riding in golf cart with him when we played . He will be missed.

Jim always was there for his family. When my dad passed in 1998 Jim stood by me in the receiving line at my dad's visitation and drove my car to the cemenatary. We grew up together. Jim's dad Bert was my dad Joe's oldest brother. Jim's mom Theresa and my mom Mary were good friendsw. His heart was so full of love, kindness and compassion

OBITUARY

James B. Hayes

14 July, 1953 – 11 June, 2022

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services