James Henry Hayes was born on September 02, 1943 to
Samuel and Elzora "Evelyn" Hayes in McAlester, Oklahoma and
was the second child of seven children.

James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at East
Star Baptist Church in McAlester, Oklahoma.  James began his
education at L'Ouverture Elementary and High School in McAlester.
After relocating with his family to Spencer, Oklahoma in 1958, he
attended Star Spencer High School and played on the first football
team in Star Spencer High School history during the 1958 - 1959
school year.  He transferred to Dungee High School and after
graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy.

James married Brenda J. Lee and from this union two children were
born.

On July 23, 2021, James transitioned to his Heavenly Home.  He
will be welcomed by his mother and father; his wife, Brenda Lee
Hayes; his daughter, Twarla Denise Fitzpatrick; three sisters and
brother-in-law: Jeraldean Richardson (William); Martha Spivey (
James); and Betty Renfrow (John, Sr.).

James leave to cherish his life and memory, his devoted companion,
Wanda Strotter; one son, Charles Hayes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
six daughters: Diana McCormick, Kaqueese Rivon, Rhonda Fitzpatrick,
Ebony Fitzpatrick, Tiffney Simmons, all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and
Saquoyah Brown of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 17 grandchildren and nine great-
grandchildren; three sisters: Rose Hayes-Tucker of Oklahoma City, Mary
"Jane" Robinson (John) of Edmond, Oklahoma and Cynthia Tate (Dan) of
San Antonio, Texas and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other
relatives and friends.