James A. Hayes Jr.

funeral director and owner, Hayes Funeral Home, Hitchcock, Texas, died April 12, 2024, at age 88. Hayes began his career in funeral service when he opened Hayes Funeral Home in 1972. The early days of his funeral business included an ambulance service, as was then common. At the end of his life and with more than 50 years in the funeral industry, his business had also expanded to include Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery, as well as a crematorium.

Hayes was a member of many organizations, including past president of Eagle Mountain Lions Club and Hitchcock Lions Club; Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, where he was named Man of the Year; Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce; Santa Fe Flying Club; Santa Fe Historical Foundation; National and Texas Rifle associations; former vice president of Santa Fe Friends of the Library; member of Texas First Bank Board of Directors; and past president of Santa Fe ISD School Board.

Hayes is survived by children Allen (funeral director at Hayes Funeral Home), Edward and Cynthia; his grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.