James F. "Jim" Hay

1941 - 2025

Janesville, WI - James F. Hay, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born in the rock house of his great-great grandfather, John Hay, east of Warren, IL, on January 26, 1941, to Kenneth and Wynette (Winters) Hay, on a day with a snow storm so bad that it prevented his parents from getting to a doctor. Jim was a member of the Warren High School class of 1959, received a bachelor's degree from UW-Platteville in 1963, and later, a master's degree from Northern Illinois University in 1969. He was united in marriage to Janet Elmer on January 19, 1963, in Monroe, WI.

Jim's teaching stops included the Elkhorn, NE, Warren, IL, and Lena, IL, school districts before moving to Janesville and joining the Janesville School District in 1969. He worked as a guidance counselor at Franklin and Parker High School before retiring in 1999.

With a lifelong passion for history, Jim, with the assistance of his wife, Janet, researched and wrote a book on the John Hay family history from Scotland in 1850 to Warren, IL. Jim was an active member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Janesville for over 50 years, serving on several committees. He was a past chairman of Membership Ministry, overseeing and assisting the church to become Open and Affirming. Giving church history tours and welcoming visitors gave him much satisfaction. He was instrumental in establishing a monthly free community meal at the church. Continuing his interest in Lincoln and Civil War history, Jim became a volunteer tour guide in 2016 at the Lincoln Tallman House. He liked telling the story of Abraham Lincoln staying in Janesville for two nights on October 2nd and 3rd of 1859, and going to worship with the Tallmans at First Congregational Church on Sunday of that weekend.

Other interests in retirement included several trips to Europe, South Pacific, Morocco, Hawaii, and other states for Janet and Jim. His most memorable trip was to Israel and Petra. Jim also worked part time for several years for Mercy in Motion, a van transport service for assisting patients from their homes to medical appointments. For many years, he was a member of the Blackhawk Golden K Kiwanis Club and liked helping on service projects. Jim and Janet were Brewers fans and were season ticket holders for the Wisconsin Badgers football team for over 30 years.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; daughter, Jacki (Jim) Vitcenda; siblings; Tom (Judy) Hay, Rodger (Caryl) Hay, Bob Hay, and Ruth Sherman; brothers-in-law, Jim Wikstrom and Dennis Elmer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nancy Wikstrom; and brother-in-law, Alton Sherman.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at First Congregational United Church of Christ with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Rock County Historical Society or the First Congregational Church Community Meal would be greatly appreciated by the family. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com