James Hayes

Mr. James Hayes, 64, of Smithville, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home. Following the visitation, graveside funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. in the Smithville Cemetery with Rev. Tony Smith officiating.

Born May 6, 1960, in Americus, he was the son of the late Owen Hayes Sr. and Rosa Lee Harper Hayes. He worked for Lee County Public Works for 25 years until his health declined. James loved to farm and could always be found outside. He was an all-around good guy who always had a smile on his face. He loved to play jokes on people and make others laugh. A beloved brother, uncle, and friend, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his 8 brothers, Robert, Sammy, Owen Jr., Jimmy, Bobby, Raymond, Billy, and George.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Helen Cannon of Smithville; nephews, Raymond Hayes Jr. of Leslie and Sammy Hayes of Smithville; sister-in-law, Frankie Hayes of Leesburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home was given the honor of serving the Hayes family.