James A. "Jim" Hayes, Jr.

James A. “Jim” Hayes, Jr.

Santa Fe – James A. “Jim” Hayes, Jr. passed from this life peacefully on April 12, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born November 13, 1935 in Texas City, Texas to James A. Hayes, Sr. and Mignon Huguet Hayes.  He was the eldest of four children and a lifelong Texan, having lived in Santa Fe for the last 53 years.  He met and married Leta Lynne Williams on December 13, 1958 and they made their first home in Grand Prairie, later moving to Fort Worth then Rockport and finally Santa Fe.

It was in Santa Fe where Jim and Lynne began their lifelong journey, and true desire to help others, by opening Hayes Funeral Home on Highway 6 in 1972.  The early days of the funeral business included an ambulance service, as it was common for funeral homes to offer ambulance services.  Not only was Jim caring for the deceased but he was also passionate about helping those who needed urgent medical care.  At the end of his life and with over 50 years in the funeral industry, his business had also expanded to include Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery as well as a crematorium.  Jim was very active in his community throughout his life and was a member of many organizations including:  Past President of Eagle Mountain Lions Club and Hitchcock Lions Club, Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce where he was named Man of the Year, Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce, Santa Fe Flying Club, Santa Fe Historical Foundation, National and Texas Rifle Associations, Texas Angus Association, Former Vice-President of Santa Fe Friends of the Library, member of the Texas First Bank Board of Directors and Past President of Santa Fe ISD School Board.

Jim also pursued other interests including a private pilot’s license, in which he shared his love of flying with his dear friends Sonny Johnson and John Rooney.  In addition to the air, he had a passion for the water and fishing that he deeply enjoyed sharing with his family and grandchildren.  He owned and operated a number of boats throughout his lifetime which led to his nicknames of  “Captain Jim” and “Seawolf”, and earned the title of Admiral in the Texas Navy.  Later in life he operated a cattle ranch in Gonzales, Texas where he proudly raised registered Black Angus cattle.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Hayes, Sr. and Mignon Huguet Hayes, wife Leta Lynne Williams Hayes and brother Robert Hayes.

Survivors include his children, Allen and Barbara Hayes of Santa Fe, Edward and Lisa Hayes of Seguin and Cynthia Orser of Friendswood; grandchildren, Stephanie Hayes, Chelsea and Will Thompson, Lauren Morrow and Clay Orser; and one great-grandchild, Perry Thompson; siblings, Richard and Julie Hayes of Fort Worth, Celeste and Jon Craver of Fort Worth and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Thursday the 18th of April, 2024 in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, Reverend Horace Stevens officiating.  Entombment will follow in the Hayes family mausoleum at Hayes Grace Memorial Park.

Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway Six.

The family of Jim Hayes wishes to express their profound gratitude to the caregivers who have lovingly cared for Jim throughout his illness including Veronica Molina, Vicki, Melanie, Dale and Suzette with Ragland Caregiving and the IPH Hospice Care Team.  In addition, a very special thank you to Pastor Glenn Murphy and Reverend Horace Stephens and the Life Point Church family for welcoming him into their fellowship.

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