Jeremy James Hays

Jeremy James Hays, 49, of Danville passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at his residence. He was born on September 28, 1976 in Danville, the son of Malcom W. Hinton and Becky S. Morgan and later he was adopted by Paul D. Hays.

Jeremy married Maria Rebelo in Tilton on April 5, 2014 and she preceded him in death on August 27, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Becky Ashcraft and father, Malcom Hinton; maternal grandparents, Dick and Darlene Ren; paternal grandparents, Mary and Harlan Hinton; one brother-in-law, Kyle Halley; and two aunts, Lori Byrne and Joni Ford.

He is survived by one sister, Katrina Hays of Cissna Park; one son, Jacob (Lily) Pundt of Danville; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Barb Morgan of Tilton; two nieces, Aubrey Halley of Florida and Alexis (Trey) Halley of Danville; five great nieces, Akenna Zamora, Aspen Irvin, Carmen Phillips, Kora Williams, and Paris Williams; one great nephew, Asher Irvin; his two beloved pets (his girls) Bella and Renesmee; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jeremy graduated from Potomac High School as Salutatorian in 1994. He loved wrestling, cooking, playing board games, skulls, and his animals. He was a jokester, full of sarcasm, and took great pride in his clothes and fashion. Most importantly, he maintained his love for his family as his main priority even throughout his illness.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 pm funeral service on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Burial will follow at the Potomac Cemetery.

Per the family's request, come and celebrate as you wish – there is no dress code so please be as casual as you'd like.

Memorials may be made to Vermilion County Animal Shelter or DaVita Vermilion County Dialysis.

Please share a memory of Jeremy at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.