James Jim Hayes

James Jim's Obituary Mr. James B. Hayes, Jr., Jim, age 94, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017 at his residence. He was born October 26, 1922 in Fruitvale to the late James B. Hayes, Sr. and Bessie Mae Williams Hayes. Mr. Hayes served our country as a Naval Aviator in World War II. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Martin and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with degrees in agriculture and engineering. In further service to our county as an engineer, Mr. Hayes designed the guidance system for the Nike Ajax Missile and surveyed the ocean floor for the purpose of laying transatlantic cable for the United States, NATO and allies. Mr. Hayes was a member, Deacon and served on the Board of Trustees for the Bells First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Hayes Bateman and two sisters, Mary Frances Hayes Hensley and Martha Hayes Pinkston. Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Margaret Thompson Hayes; two daughters, Deborah Hayes Hendrix (Robert) of Dyersburg and Elayne Hayes Pisarik (Karl) of Florida; brother Maurice Hayes (Judy) of Bells. Other survivors include five grandchildren, Sarah Hendrix Strength (Casey), Kathryn Hendrix Benjamin (Jason), Emily Margaret Hendrix, Cole Edward Pisarik, and Margaret Faith Pisarik, as well as four great grandchildren, Elenore Lee Benjamin, Hendrix Lane Benjamin, Jack Buchanan Strength and Alice Elizabeth Strength. Serving as pallbearers are Robert Hendrix, Karl Pisarik, Cole Pisarik, Casey Strength, Jason Benjamin and Roy Taylor. Funeral services for Mr. Jim Hayes will be conducted Friday, March 24, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Bells First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Harbin and the Pastor, Rev. Dennis Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The Hayes family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Donations can be made in honor of Mr. Jim Hayes to the Bells First Baptist Church Men's Ministry or Choir Progam. Bells Funeral Home, 5342 College Street is in charge of arrangements. 731-663-2766 or www.bbfuneral.com. Read More Read Less