James Marvin Hayes

He was born in Florida, and raised at the beaches and in the neighborhoods of Jacksonville. Jimmy spent most of his formative years there — and somehow, he always found his way back home. An athlete in his youth, he was an All-Star in high school sports, excelling in both football and baseball. His competitive spirit, discipline, and passion for the game left a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches alike.

Beyond athletics, Jimmy was known for his warmth, strength of character, and the way he made people feel in his presence. He carried his love of sports throughout his life, sharing stories from his playing days and cheering on his favorite teams with family and friends.

His sense of humor and infectious laugh will live on in the memories of all who knew him. His stories were legendary — and if you knew him, you surely have one. What a gift that is.

Jimmy was a man who defied the odds from the very beginning. He was told he wouldn’t walk, and he ran. He was told he wouldn’t survive cancer, and he beat it into submission. He was a fighter through and through, and he raised his daughters to be the same — to believe there is no mountain too big to climb. In his later years, he often said, “The mountain — if there is one — is probably you. We’ve all just got to get out of our own way.” Right, Dad?

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Sharon; his former wife, Jackie Hayes; his daughters, Jill Hayes and Jennifer Noah; his grandchildren, Kelsey Tuttle, Dylan Swan, Raiden Hayes, Phineas Noah, and Lynn Noah; his great-grandchildren, Colbie and Avery Tuttle; and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and their children.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know and love him. Jimmy’s legacy lives on in the hearts he inspired, the strength he showed, and the stories that will be told for generations to come. He taught us that no challenge is too great, no dream too far, and no laugh ever wasted. We’ll miss his voice, his humor, and the way he made us believe we could do anything we set our mind to.

Thank you, Dad — for your courage, your love, and your reminder that the only mountain worth climbing is the one within ourselves.