James J. Hayes

James Joseph Hayes, beloved husband of Sheila (Cohen) Hayes, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 66. Jim was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on July 11, 1958, the son of the late Fred Hayes and Norma (Boudreau) Hayes. He grew up in East Springfield before moving to East Longmeadow as a teenager, graduating from Cathedral High School in 1976. He later earned his Associate Degree from Springfield Technical Community College.
Jim had a successful 33-year career at Aetna where he formed many close friendships. Earlier in life, he co-owned a landscaping business called JCT with his brother and a close friend, a time that brought him many fond memories he loved to share. He retired in 2017 and moved to The Villages, Florida, with his wife, where he later held a fun part-time job at Belle Glade Country Club.
Jim was an avid golfer who built many cherished friendships through the game. In 2023, he accomplished his long-held goal of playing golf in every state, with Hawaii as the 50th and final stop. Off the course, he found purpose in giving back. For years, he delivered food through Meals on Wheels and volunteered with Project EverGreen, mowing lawns for military families.
Jim's greatest joy in life was his family. He and his wife raised their two sons in East Granby, Connecticut, where they created a lifetime of memories together. He enjoyed 35 years of summer vacations with his immediate and extended family, renting houses together on lakefronts or near the beach. His family will always remember his great sense of humor, his infectious smile that brightened every room, his love of life, and the sincere kindness he showed to others.
In addition to his wife, Sheila, he is lovingly remembered by his sons, Bryan Hayes of Glastonbury and David Hayes of Simsbury; his brother Chuck Hayes and his wife, Maryann, of East Longmeadow; his sister Jeannine Grenier and her husband, Mike, of East Granby; and his sister-in-law Lesley Cohen-Grassi and her husband, Steve, of Middlebury; along with six nieces, many cousins, and dear friends.
His family will receive friends on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. Jim's family will hold a private burial at Simsbury Cemetery in Simsbury, CT.