John Joseph Hayes

John J. Hayes passed away Friday July 9, 2021, at the age of 81 following a lengthy illness. John was born in New York, the second child and oldest son of John and Margaret Hayes. He lived in New York until proudly joining the United States Air Force. While stationed in England, John met the love of his life, Jo. The two were married and remained happily together until Jo’s passing in 2004.

The couple lived in New York where they had their two daughters, Lyn and Kim, in Canada, in England where their son John was born, and finally in Lubbock, Texas. John was not one to change jobs or careers very much. After leaving the U.S. Air Force, John worked in the security department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, England, the director of security at Lubbock Christian University, and in the security department at University Medical Center. Taking care of people was John’s calling in life.

Throughout his adult life, John was always involved in some capacity in youth sports. Some of his fondest memories involved coaching softball. He loved his Rascals and his Players. He always found a way to get the best out of all of his teams. His teams won many State and World titles and John was once named USSSA Coach of the Year.

John eventually semi-retired from coaching when his grandsons came along. John sat in the stands at hockey, football, basketball and baseball games and cheered on his grandsons Gareth, Carson and Brendan. Being “Papa” was John’s favorite role in life. He loved his grandsons more than words can describe. They were his pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to brag on their many accomplishments. He attended every game it was physically possible for him to attend. When he was unable to attend, he called or texted frequently for updates on the games. John wanted to know everything that was going on at every Smyer Bobcats, Cubs, and Lubbock Sting game. If Carson or Brendan had a band or guitar concert, John and Kim were instructed to video the performance so he could watch it over and over and over . . .

John was a natural born encourager. He could be heard at Lubbock Sting games reminding the kids that they were good hitters, cheering for great defensive plays, reminding the batter what the count was, and telling kids to keep their heads up, and work hard. John wanted all the kids to be successful, not just on the field but also in life. He knew sports provided an opportunity to teach life lessons.

John is survived by his daughter, Kim and her husband Carey Dayton; his son, John and wife Sherri Hayes; grandsons: Gareth Ambler, Carson Hayes and Brendan Hayes; sister, Sharon Ann Palmese of New York; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Jo; his daughter, Lyn Ambler and son-in-law Stephen Ambler; grandsons, Kody and David Hayes; his sister, Margaret Mattes; and brothers, David and Bill Hayes.

The family would like to thank Texas Home Hospice for their care and compassion over the last almost year and a half. Dad was under hospice care longer than most and during that time, he met many wonderful people. In particular, the family wants to give special thanks to Kathy, Monica, Stephanie, Dave and Andrea. Dad looked forward to every visit with you. You blessed Dad and our family more than you will ever know. Through you, we truly witnessed God at work here on earth.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Raintree Christian Church. Livestream will be available at Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/Raintree.Christian or

YouTube Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_gepiyqf4Ra771qs9O1Syw/featured.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.