James Edward Hay II

James Edward Hay II obituary, Shelby Township, MI

James Edward Hay II

James Hay Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gramer Funeral Home – Diener Chapel - Shelby Township on Mar. 28, 2025.

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James Edward Hay II, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2025. He was born on October 30, 1973, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to James Edward and Paulette Marie (née Metris) Hay.
James spent his early years in Michigan before moving to California, where he lived for 30 years, eventually returning to Washington Township, Michigan, four years ago. He graduated from South High School in Torrance, California, in 1991, and went on to study graphic design at San Diego State University, as well as at Long Beach University.
James was an aspiring actor, having had a walk-on role in a movie starring Jennifer Lopez, a milestone in his creative journey. He had a deep passion for the arts, and his love for acting was matched only by his love for surfing, which was one of his biggest passions. His beautiful spirit was evident in his kindness, empathy, and wonderful sense of humor. James also adored his cats and all animals, treating them with the love and care they deserved.
James is survived by his mother, Paulette (Michael) Derusha; his sister, Denise (Steve) Happel; his nieces, Natalie (Gunnar) Bruce and Olivia Happel. He is preceded in death by his father, James Edward Hay.
Funeral services for James will be private.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.

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