James Bays

James Meredith Bays, 74, passed away on February 28, 2014. Jim "Bud" was born June 17, 1939, in Hotchkiss, CO. at the home of his maternal grandparents, Andrew J. and Minnie Daniel. His parents were Virginia and Darrell Bays, from Sedan, KS. Jim lived in Uravan, CO. in his early years then at the age of 5 the family moved to a farm near Elk City, KS. In 1957 they moved to Independence, KS, where he continued his schooling, and especially enjoyed being a member of Sea Scouts. The family relocated back to Colorado in Grand Junction where Jim spent his high school years and excelled in wrestling and football. Following high school, he worked for Woolworth Company in Independence, KS and became the youngest store manager in their system. The company transferred him to various parts of the country. The Army drafted Jim in 1961 for two years of service ending as an instructor at Ft. Carson, CO. His work experience included managing at Target, Dolgin's and most recently Ranch Mart Ace Hardware where he became known as "Mr. Ace." Jim was an active member for 22 years of the Leawood Lions where he twice served as President, and was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellow, the Foundations highest recognition to acknowledge an individual's dedication to humanitarian service in 2002. The City of Leawood awarded Jim with the Hall of Fame Award for philanthropic contributions in 2013. Jim was an active member of Countryside Christian Church and enjoyed his time in the Trinity Class. He is survived by his wife Patty Watt Bays of 34 years, son Chris Bays, daughter Aimee Leggett (Lance), stepson Brett Snead (Karla), stepdaughter Janie Snead, and seven grandchildren: Evan Bays, Kylia and Derek Leggett; Caleb, Ethan, Harper Snead, and Elizabeth Snead-Tice. Also surviving are siblings Doris Davis Maley, Jackson D. Bays (Shelly), Cecil W. Bays (Bonnie) and Joe Bays (Sharon), numerous nieces, nephews plus a host of friends and other family who love him. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons – Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS. Interment will follow at the Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Overland Park, KS. The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at the Johnson County Chapel.