February 12 1932 May 5 2020
Mr. James R. Hays, Sr., age 88, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020 in Muskegon due to complications from COVID-19. He was born in Muskegon on February 12, 1932 to Joe and Frances (Kraley) Hays. Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan and had worked at Kaydon Corporation for 33 years, retiring as Vice President in 1992. Jim was a former member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and a member of the National Association of Accountants where he served as past-president of the Muskegon Chapter. Jim enjoyed his job, golf, spending time with Connie and his grandchildren, and he loved his special fur friends, Pebbles and Peekaboo. Jim and Connie also enjoyed wintering for over 30 years at their home in Palm Springs, California. On July 5, 1979, Jim married the former Constance “Connie” Lynn and she survives him along with six children, Janet (Kreg) Perreault of Muskegon, Harlen (Liesl) Hays of Lees Summit, MO, James Decker of Minneapolis, MN, Jill (Dan) Deephouse of Cottage Grove, MN, Jack Decker of Minneapolis, MN, and Lisa McIntyre of Phoenix, AZ; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bill Hays, Jerry Hays, and Gordon Hays; brother-in-law, Dick Ferry; and many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan (Witkowski) Hays; son, James R. Hays, Jr.; parents; and brother, Ron Hays. According to Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service with full military honors will be announced when social distancing restrictions have been lifted. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James R. Hays Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James R Hays Sr February 12 1932 May 5 2020.
Vanzantwick Bartels & Kammeraad Funeral Homes Inc
Death notice for the town of: Grand Haven, state: Michigan