James Roy Hays Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Memorial services for James R. Hays, 86, of Tyler will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Marvin United Methodist Church Chapel with the Rev. Gerry Giles officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. A private graveside service, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Allison Andrews will be held for family members prior to the memorial service. Jim, as family and friends called him, passed away April 18, 2019 at his home in Whitehouse surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of more than 50 years, Harriett Harris Hays. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gerald Hays and William Hays. He was born in the Tyler area in 1933 as the youngest of three boys, Gerald (Gerry) Hays, William (Bill) Hays and Jim, to G.C. “Red” Hays and Marguerite Alexander Hays. Except for his college years at Texas Tech in Lubbock, and his first job in Post, Texas, Jim spent all of his life in Tyler. It was here in Tyler where he fell in love with and married a Tyler Rose and the love of his life, Harriett Harris Hays. Jim was a life-long member of Marvin Methodist Church where he was married in 1955 and served as Sunday school teacher for many years. He devoted himself to his family and friends. He served Meals on Wheels, and tutored economically and learning disadvantaged youth in math skills for more than 15 years. He was a member of the TJC band performing at the Rose Bowl during Junior College. He proudly served at the U.S. Military in post WWII Italy. After his service he completed his studies at Texas Tech University and graduated as an Industrial Engineer. Along the way, Jim and his beloved wife had two kids, Holly and Brian, and moved back to their real home, Tyler, as soon as they could in 1961. Jim had too many highlights in his life to list, but he enjoyed officiating high school football, he was a Golden Gloves boxing champion at Tyler High School but mostly a devoted father and husband. Upon retiring from Trane Corp, he tried his hand at writing, publishing several books including the beloved children’s book, A Christmas Emergency. He also invented, and patented the card game SNEVENS ™ that brought many hours of fun to him and his family. James was an avid fisherman and golfer and was happy to spend the last years of his life living at Lake Tyler. Just last Sunday, he sported a green jacket while watching the PGA Masters Tournament with family and friends at the lake house. He had the opportunity to spend quality time with his extended family and dear friends over the last few months, enjoying the beautiful sunsets of Lake Tyler and sharing precious memories. It was rare to see Jim without a smile on his face or a joke on his lips. Whenever his extended family and friends would gather, he would regale them with stories and tales of his life and experiences. He truly lived to make those around him laugh and give them joy. James is survived by his daughter, Holly Hays Wilhelm and her husband Robert L. “Bob” Wilhelm; son, Brian James Hays and wife Denise Lopez Hays; granddaughter, Lacey Hope Hays Callaway and husband Colby; grandson, Dillon Reed Hays; and great-granddaughter, Carli Hope Callaway. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews and a family of friends that are more family than friends. They all have cherished his presence in their lives. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian James Hays, Dillon Reed Hays, Steve Hays, William “Bill” Hays, Jr., Paul Josephson, Rob Neal, Dr. Roy Kingry and Robert L. “Bob” Wilhelm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or Marvin United Methodist Church, 300 W. Erwin St., Tyler, TX 75702.

James Roy Hays

January 18, 1933 - April 16, 2019

Obituary & Service

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James Roy Hays

January 18, 1933 - April 16, 2019

Obituary & Service

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