I looked up to him and he taught my dad everything like shooting etc. I know many things from him from the past 4 years that he passed away I just hope he lived longer.

My Great Grandfather was good I use to take care of him his blesses my soul with bravery I wish he could see me today. I was named after my Great Grandfather.

Uncle Blondie and Aunt Lanelle and their daughters, were the only family from my biological fathers side of the family that I ever really loved. I loved how he always called all of us "baby girl" and he always had a funny story to tell and made you feel like you were the most important thing in the world to him while you laughed and reminiscenced with him. I know he's in heaven with Paw-Paw and Mama Hayes having a grand ole time. Rest in Peace Uncle Blondie, you did a good and wonderful work, and I will always have nothing but fond memories of our time together.
Love,
Kathy Hayes-Hilburn

I spent many hours talking with Jimmy when I worked at the Deer Park Plant during the 80's and 90's. He was a genuine friend. My condolences to his family.   Jim Brown, Knoxville TN

God Speed Mr Hayes, save me a seat at the big table sir.
your words of wisdom and guidance will always be remembered.

Tommy Douglas

From the stories of growing up poor in east Texas, to working with the undertaker, to his Texas Ranger friend, to being dead at the scene of an accident, Jimmy Hayes kept me entertained.

He was an independent thinker with a skepticism for convention and a love of integrity and intelligence -- especially when a twist was added.

Cynthia and I went door-to-door on the outskirts of Kemah, hoping to find a place to grow a garden -- we could not have a garden in our own neighborhood. Someone suggested I try the Hayes's. Nell invited us in, and I was sitting in Jimmy's chair when he came in from his nap. It took me a moment to realize, I was in his chair, and it was I who would move.

He told me he wanted my garden in his front yard -- to my protests. He took me out to the site where it would be. He explained that city water would be too expensive -- I'd have to use well water.

He came out and talked while I worked. He had observations and suggestions, which I appreciated. He was proud to have a doctor as a sharecropper. 

But more valuable to me were the times I spent with him inside. He'd make swill and entertain me with stories that I found meaningful. He had grown up in east Texas and my dad was from western Louisiana. The stories were so similar. My dad had died a few years earlier, and being with Jimmy was like being home. Yes, you had to have a certain amount of skepticism and a big sense of humor. I knew some of those things could not have happened that way, but just like with my dad, it was too much fun listening to it to do anything but play along. Once during a story about the dog jumping out of his lap and pawing its nose, Nell saw I was in my tacit acceptance, and she broke in, "Oh yeah, that really did happen."

I could not convince him to follow more healthful ways, but he did try and was deeply appreciative of my efforts.

I don't have a better story than the antique car parade he was instrumental in organizing as a fund raiser for T-Bone Tom's medical bills. T-Bone wilted at the end of the parade and did not recover. What a way to go out! -- with the entire town honoring you in a parade! Jimmy Hayes was a real character in those bigger than life stories.

To borrow a line from Bobby Magee: "Somewhere near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away." I visited occasionally in Deer Park. We exchanged emails. I never invested in the gold he advised. I took on larger and larger ER jobs and after awhile just didn't get around to visiting. I had let my garden in Austin dwindle and did not have anything to bring.

Now, I have Jimmy's shamrocks and 4 o'clocks growing around my homes in League City and Austin, to ever remind me of Jimmy Hayes. He will always be a part of my life.

Jimmy Hayes was part of my family and important to my children as they grew up. 

When we first drove up to his house, I was intimidated by the sign on the gate:


"PRIVATE PROPERTY
          KEEP OUT
TRESPASSERS WILL BE 
          VIOLATED
         SURVIVORS
WILL BE PROSECUTED"

We were looking for a place to garden and share the produce with the owner. Someone had suggested to ask them. Kent assured me to drive slowly and stay away from the lake.

I learned that Jimmy Hayes was a big heart in a bear suit. He sounded gruff but if you listened, the things he said were kind and generous. He would do all sort of things for you. One of the kids was interested in rocks. Jimmy gave him a jewelry shop display cabinet and a bunch of rocks. He always had special presents for us at Christmas – like an old tin car music box. We would be included in family Sunday dinners or watermelon cuttings. He would teach the kids about fish and guns and tell stories of Bonnie and Clyde.

And that sign that scared me, he gave it to us when he moved to Deer Park.

Uncle Jimmy will always be part of our family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. The few times I got to be around Mr. Hayes (Granddaddy) it was so uplifting, he was such a nice man. I know he will be truly missed.
James and Carolyn Grohman, Livingston, Texas

We'll always fondly remember the good times we spent with Uncle Jimmy.  He was a character who captivated us with the wit and wisdom of his tales and the many interesting things he showed us.  Most of all, we remember him as unfailingly big-hearted, kind, and caring.  Visits with him brightened our days growing up and he always treated us like family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James Bryan Hayes, Jr.

17 janvier 1926 – 13 juillet 2013

Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery

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