James Henry Hayes

James Henry Hayes, Jr. passed away on Wednesday December 20th, 2023 at 5:51 PM CST.

His life began in Mount Vernon, NY, on October 31st, 1932, the proud son of James and Ethel Hayes.

While in New York, Barbara met James Hayes and they had three children together, who are Larry, David and Derrick Hayes (Kim). The four grandchildren are Kali Hayes, David Hayes II, Alex Hayes and Amber Hayes.

James siblings included Ronald Hayes, Lois Coleman (Charles), Eleanor Zanfordino, Helen Graves and LaVerne Davis.

Some of James Hayes career accomplishments were that he retired as a Master Sgt. in the Air Force and after earning his Masters Degree from the University of Illinois he retired as a Social Studies teacher with the Champaign County School District

Mr. Hayes life was well balanced as he was elected as a 3 term Alderman with the City of Urbana and the work he did in the community paid off as he has a complex named after him called the James Henry Hayes, Jr. Apartment Homes.

When he wasn't a Politician he was a true sports fan, Beekeeper, Fisherman, Karoke King, Gardener, Dancer, Comedian and Motivational Speaker and here is one of his famous quotes - "Put some info under your afro before you make an intro."

James Hayes has lived in the Champaign, Urbana and Rantoul areas and for over 40 years has been a member of Bethel A.M.E. church in Champaign, Illinois.

How to Celebrate the Life of James Henry Hayes, Jr.

Visitation:

Friday December 29th, 2023 from 4 PM to 6 PM CST. at Lux Memorial 1551 E Grove Ave

Rantoul, IL 61866

https://www.luxmemorial.com/

Funeral Proceedings:

Saturday December 30th, 2023 beginning at 10:00 AM CST at Bethel AME Church 401 E Park St, Champaign, IL 61820

https://www.bethelamechampaign.org/