James "Jim" Estel Hayes
June 15, 1941 ~ December 8, 2018
James "Jim" Estel Hayes passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at the age of 77 in Concord, NC. Jim was born on June 15, 1941, in Asheville, NC, and was preceded in death by his father and mother, Horace and Rose Lee Hayes.
He is survived by his brother, Richard; sons: James, Rick, and Shawn; daughters: Jennifer, Jessica, and Leelyn; 14 grand/great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his New Mexico family; a sprinkle of wives; several daughters-in-law; many girlfriends and hundreds of pumpkin heads and yard birds.
Jim joined the US Air Force at age 17 and was stationed at Walker AFB in Roswell, New Mexico. He was a Fire Protection Specialist and later served on a Special Brigade for the Los Alamos Fire Department. Jim also served as a Police Officer and retired after 28 years of service with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. Outside of his career, Jim was an athlete, coach, and umpire, but his favorite free time activity involved being with his family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC, on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. The Rev. Enoch Ball will officiate the service and visitation will follow immediately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
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I am saddened to hear this news, Jim was a ‘one of a kind’ guy. He loved life, loved policing Charlotte, who can forget him with that ‘1 glove.’ And Jim loved athletics. I policed Charlotte with Jim and we had many good times doing so. Seeing the pictures of him and his many friends and family over the years sparks great memories of F.O.P. Lodge 9 softball playing with and for (Coach) Jim Hayes. He gave a great deal of time and effort to making that go. I do and will miss him, as life can do sometimes when situations change, we can become distant from old friends.
Thanks Jim for all you did and all the good times buddy.
‘Go rest high on that mountain’ my friend.
I am saddened to hear this news, Jim was a ‘one of a kind’ guy. He loved life, loved policing Charlotte, who can forget him with that ‘1 glove.’ And Jim loved athletics. I policed Charlotte with Jim and we had many good times doing so. Seeing the pictures of him and his many friends and family over the years sparks great memories of F.O.P. Lodge 9 softball playing with and for (Coach) Jim Hayes. He gave a great deal of time and effort to making that go. I do and will miss him, as life can do sometimes when situations change, we can become distant from old friends.
Thanks Jim for all you did and all the good times buddy.
‘Go rest high on that mountain’ my friend.