Jim Hayes

A simple hero.

SIMPLE:  plain, basic, or uncomplicated in form, nature, or design; without much decoration or ornamentation.

HERO: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities:

Despite these two words seeming to contradict each other, together they capture the life and death of Jim Hayes perfectly.  Born at home on the Hayes farm on August 23, 1934, Jim passed away peacefully on the same farm 90 years later, on January 17, 2025. Looking out on the family’s land and surrounded by his two sons, Brent (Cindy) and Rich (Kim Urban), he took his last breath in the same bed his beloved wife and soulmate, Shirley, did 5 years ago. 

A graduate of Rome-Canaan school, Jim never strayed far or long from the little communities of Guysville and Stewart.  Four years in the Army spent in Germany after the Korean War was all Jim needed to confirm; there’s no place like home.  As the 5th generation on this now 147-year-old family farm, he was happy to make a living in his own “backyard”.  Countless hours of planting, tilling and harvesting and countless miles on tractors and mowers, were all sandwiched between twice-daily milkings.  His recognized herd of jersey cattle kept he, his boys and lipstick-wearing, muck-boot bride busy and close to home.  There were no sick days, PTO or vacations … just a lot of hard work and time together. Helped for 42 years by his ever loyal sidekick, Carl Thompson, the farm provided a simple life.  

Located along the Hocking River, the family farm was often victim of the river’s ups and downs. During the floods of the 1960’s, Jim would have to transfer milk from the bulk tank to 10-gallon milk cans, put into a small boat and travel the flooded fields the two miles to the highway to be picked up.   Countless times, excessive rains wiped out fields full of crops.  With no insurance or time to replant, life was often difficult.  When Brent would ask what they were going to do, the answer was always the same.  Without a hint of complaint, Jim would say, “We just keep going.  There’s no quitting”. And so, they did.

Over his lifetime, Jim expanded the original 250-acre farm to 825 acres.  He wore many hats … farmer, mechanic, veterinarian, carpenter, Federal Hocking school-board member … whatever it took to keep the farm going and his family happy and secure.  With no fanfare, he was awarded for a highly respected herd of jersey cattle.  He was a recognized innovator within the farm industry. Passionate about preserving this seven-generation property and its history, together with his wife and sons, Jim put this centennial family farm in a trust never to be divided, sold or developed… only to be enjoyed and nurtured.

His world was small, his life was simple, but Jim was a quiet hero … to his boys, his grandson, Preston, and anyone lucky enough to have spent time with him.  “The hardest working man I ever met.”  “I’ve never met someone with such integrity.”  “I am unable to put his character into words.” “They don’t make ‘em like him anymore.”  “One of the best men I’ve ever met.” “Salt of the earth.”

It’s no surprise, the unassuming Jim did not want a public funeral service.  Dressed in a pair of khakis (with a Vegas token coin in the pocket), a crisp plaid shirt (that Shirley would have approved), and a picture of his constant companion, Honda (trying to lick, aka kiss, the side of his face), Jim will be buried in a private ceremony on Sunday, January 19th.  Laid to rest alongside Shirley in the Bean Cemetery overlooking the Hayes Family Farm, the dynamic duo will be watching over all of us … together again!  A Celebration of Life for both Jim and Shirley is being planned for Summer 2025.   

Oh … and Billy Joel was wrong ….” Only the Good Die Young” … nothing could be further from the truth!

Arrangements were with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence, or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.