December 12, 2021
James Lester Hayes age 70 of Rock Island, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, December 9, 2021 at his residence. He was born August 7, 1951 to his parents, Lester and the late Cora Omega Robinson Hayes. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Hayes and sister, Mary Davis. James was a Respiratory Therapist and Registered Nurse. A Christian man that loved to talk about the Lord and served him faithfully, he was a member of the Upper Room in McMinnville. He leaves to cherish his memory, 3 children, Scott Alan (Amanda Sue) Hayes of Murfreesboro, Eric Richard Hayes of Murfreesboro and Jaime Michelle (Shayne) Whiteaker of McMinnville; 6 grandchildren, Alex Dalton (Kelsey) Hayes of Smithville, Alexis Lee Hayes of Murfreesboro, Allyson Paige (Lucas) Young of McMinnville, Austin Luke Hayes of Murfreesboro, Kensley Brooke Whiteaker of McMinnville and Alyssa Nicole Hayes of Murfreesboro; father, Lester Hayes of Sparta; aunt, Jo (Jess) Baker of Smithville and uncle, Brisco (Imogene) Robinson of Smithville and a host of cousins. The family is honoring James request to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held 6:PM Sunday December 19, 2021 at the Smithville First Assembly of God with Bros. Donald Vinson and Ian Swisher officiating. The visitation and gathering will be from 5:30-6:PM at the church. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Room Church, in memory of James. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.