James O. Hayes

James Hayes Obituary

James Oliver Hayes went on to be with the Lord on Aug. 19, 2011, at the Colonial Heights Health Care Center.

He was born Jan. 10, 1930, in Church Road, Va., to Amanda Evans and John Edward Hayes. He was the youngest of 12 children.

James was baptized at an early age at Mt. Poole Baptist Church, Ford, and later became a member of Union Baptist Church, Amelia, Va. As part of the Union Baptist Church family, he served in various ministries. He also served 54 years as a member of the sanctuary choir at Mt. Poole.

He was a past Master of St. Stephen Lodge #247, F.A. Mason member for over 50 years.

James graduated from Dinwiddie Training School, Class of 1948. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War. He worked at Fort Lee, Va., for several years and retired with 26 years of service from Brown and Williamson. During later years he worked part-time for the Dinwiddie County School System.

James enjoyed many hobbies including fishing and gardening. He especially enjoyed spending time with family.

Those left to cherish his memories include his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Mrs. Kathleen J. Hayes; and to carry on his legacy, a loyal son, Reginald O. Hayes and grandchild, Juliette O. Hayes (Bernadette Hayes); one brother, Deacon Charmlin Hayes (Thelma); sisters-in-law, Ella Hayes, Annette Wilbanks and Nellie Johnson; brothers-in-law, Langston M. Johnson (Barbara), Kendall Johnson, the Rev. Daniel Edwards, Congressman Donald Payne and David Washington; devoted niece, Natalie Tucker; cousins, Dorothy Bates, Beamon and Clarissa Hayes; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family and a community of friends who loved him dearly.

A home-going service will be held at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at the Mount Poole Baptist Church, Ford, with the pastor, the Rev. Stephen Pugh, eulogizing, and the Rev. Leroy Rhone officiating. Burial will commence at the Dinwiddie Memorial Park with military honors and Masonic rites. The family will assemble at the residence at 11 a.m. on the day of the service. Public viewing will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, at the Petersburg Chapel.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph M. Johnson and Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, 804-863-4411.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index from Aug. 21 to Aug. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hayes

6 Entries

Bradford Hayes

September 18, 2020

I was just thinking about you and how grateful to you I am for taking the time out of your life to include me in the different events that you took me to as a child. I will be forever grateful. THANK YOU...

Butch&Diane White

September 16, 2011

Sorry to hear of the lost of James.It was so nice to always seeing the two of you together,even in the garden. Will keep you and your family in prayers.

Arnita Hayes

August 23, 2011

God's Blessings to the family. Rest in peace Uncle James

Linwood ''SKINNER'' Jones,Jr.

August 23, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Cynthia Caldwell

August 23, 2011

rest in peace Uncle James I wll miss you very much especially calling to to remind you of everybody Birthdaylove you your nieceCynthia Caldwell

VANCE HAYES

August 21, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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