Dr. James Martin Hays Jr.

HAYS, DR. JAMES MARTIN JR. - age 56 went to be with his beloved Lord on Monday, August 22, 2011 after a long struggle with ALS. He was the light of our lives, a father, husband, brother, and uncle who taught us by example with passion what it means to live a faith driven life of love and service to others. He was a man of love and laughter who always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word at the ready. He lived to make the world a more joyful and compassionate place. Jim attended the Baylor School in Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences in Memphis in 1981 and did his internship and residency in Memphis as well. He served as an OB/GYN in Knoxville and delivered more than 7,000 babies. Jim was a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a member of the North American Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. He was the Chairman of the TN Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Jim co-founded the Special Attention Clinic at East Tennessee Children's Hospital in 1990 which provided development, training, and staffing for the evaluation of abused children. Jim was active in his church, serving as a deacon for Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church and served as co-director of the Small Group Ministry. One of Jim's favorite activities was supporting the summer swim leagues which all of his children participated in. He was a United States Swimming Meet certified official and was involved with the Greater Knoxville Area Independent Swim Association serving as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the organization. He also served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James Hays. He is survived by his wife, Nancy and his four children, Mary Christine, James Martin, Ann Katherine, and Elizabeth Kelley. He is also survived by his mother, Louise Collins Hays, step-mother Ursula Hays, and siblings Dr. William Hays, Dr. Christopher Hays, Terri Miller, and Angela Hays as well as several nieces and nephews. At this time of loss, we feel overwhelmed by the gifts of prayer and support poured out to us from so many who loved him. A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church with Dr. L. Holton Siegling, Jr., Dr. Michael V. Stanfield and Reverend Mark D. Lampley officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at in Barron Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301 or to Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Ave. Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.