James C. "Jim" Bayens

James "Jim" C. Bayens - Richmond Hill -James "Jim" C. Bayens died unexpectedly at his home in Richmond Hill on Sunday, May 21, 2006. Jim was born on June 17, 1930 in Charleroi, PA. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from the University of Miami in Miami, FL, where he became a loyal, lifelong fan of The Miami Hurricanes. While living in Miami, Jim began his career in professional baseball. In 1964, he was named Sporting News Minor League Executive of the Year. He joined the St. Louis Cardinals Professional Baseball Club in 1967, where he served in many different capacities, including Director of Scouting and Minor League Operations, Traveling Secretary, Director of Promotions and Scouting Supervisor. In 1987, Jim was named General Manager of the Savannah Cardinals, now the Savannah Sand Gnats. In 1996, he was inducted into the South Atlantic Hall of Fame. He also was associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks near the end of his career. Jim always felt he "never worked a day in his life" because he loved his work so much. He also loved music and was a professional trumpet player in his youth. Baseball and music were his constant passions. Seventeen years ago, Jim married Lynne Butler. They have made their home in Richmond Hill. Together they enjoyed making wonderful memories with Jim's three children and their spouses: Kelly and Dan Moll of St. Louis, MO; Mickey and Kerry Bayens of Richmond Hill; and Ashley Bayens of New York City, NY. Their six grandchildren, McKenzie, Alex, D.J. Moll, and Joanna, ViVi and Buckley Bayens brought joy to every day of Jim's life. He reveled in all of their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to tell a proud grandpa story. He was known to Richmond Hill Primary students as Papa from the many visits to their classrooms to read or talk about baseball. He is survived by his dear sister, Doris, nephew and spouse, Russell and Jan Robison, niece and spouse, Cindy and Buddy Taylor, nephew and spouse, Gordon and Ethel Robison, four great nephews, one great-great niece and many special cousins he grew up with in Western PA; brother-in-law and family, Jerome, Cindy and Davis Butler of Savannah, niece Luci Butler of New York City, NY and adoring mother-in-law, Estelle Butler. Services will be held at the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church, Wednesday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m., with burial in the Burnt Church Cemetery, Richmond Hill, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be sent to Disabled American Veterans, P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or a charity of choice. Richmond Hill Funeral Home Cox Chapel (912) 756-7575 Savannah Morning News May 24, 2006 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.savannahnow.com