James Leon Hayes, 79, of Harrisburg, IL passed away November, 23, 2018
at Harrisburg Medical Center surrounded by many of his loved ones.
He
was born August, 16, 1939 in Okemah Oklahoma. Born to the late Oya
Jerald and Lois Genevieve (King) Hayes. He was one of five siblings. On
May 28, 1966 he married the late Elizabeth (Bette) Anne Love.
Jim
attended Tonkawa high school where he was involved in a variety of
sports including wrestling, football, basketball, and baseball. He went
on to earn a football scholarship to
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL in 1961. He played two
years as linebacker, earning his nickname “The AXE”, for his aggressive
style of play. He was also a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.
Jim graduated in 1962 with a degree in education. He remained a huge
supporter of SIU for the remainder of his life. He went on to begin a
successful career as an English teacher and coach at two northern
Illinois towns, coaching everything from bowling to football, where he
still has the highest winning percentage as a coach for the Macomb
Bombers. His 1964 Bradford Panther team is considered by the “old
timers” as the best team in history of the school, going undefeated at
9-0, only giving up 6 points all year. He also has the second highest
winning percentage all time for the Panthers. He finished his football
coaching career with a 78-32 record.
Jim began selling cars as a part
time job in the summers while still in the teaching profession. He sold
for a gentleman named Bill Reynolds, who became his mentor. Jim ended
up becoming the top salesperson at the dealership with his quick wit,
charm, and charismatic style that he became known for until the day he
passed. Jim found an opportunity to open a dealership in Harrisburg, and
in 1976 he moved his wife and two young children south and Jim Hayes
Inc was founded. What started as a business with three employees has
grown to over 40 employees. Many of the members of the Jim Hayes team
being long term employees, and annual sales of as many as 1500 cars or
more. Jim has always thought of his employees as part of his family, and
maintained a relationship with many who moved on to other careers. With
the success of his business, it allowed Jim to become a local
philanthropist, who was always willing to give to anyone in need,
usually without and fanfare or recognition.
He has been involved with
many organizations, including being a founding member of the Harrisburg
Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, American Legion, SIU Alumni Association,
Ducks Unlimited, Second Team, Jolly Boys, and was on the HMC board for
many years, ultimately becoming the Chairman of the Board. Jim felt very
passionate about his community, some of the organizations he supported
were the Four C’s homeless shelter, golden circle, Harrisburg medical
center, Harrisburg schools, HPD, Harrisburg Fire Department, SIC, SIU,
John A Logan, CASA, Hospice, The American Cancer Society and usually any
and all who needed funds raised or were affected by the fire or any
other personal tragedy. His caring heart was open to everyone.
Jim is
survived by his daughter, Stacy Wasson and son, Jamie and wife Donetta
Hayes; grandchildren Rachel and Taylor Wasson, Dymin, Kruz and Zayne
Hayes; longtime companion Jennifer Richey; brother and sister Jerry
Hayes and Pat Townsley; as well as an Aunt, nieces, nephews, many
cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife
Bette Hayes and two siblings, Jack Hayes and Sondie Ansivino.
Services
will be held at The First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 30th, 4:00-8:00pm. Funeral will
be Saturday, December 1st at 11:00am. Burial to follow at Sunset Lawn
Cemetery in Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers or gifts we would
appreciate donations to one of the two passions Jim had: Harrisburg
Medical Center Foundation or The 4-C’s homeless shelter of Harrisburg.
