James D. "Jim" Hays, 96, Blue Springs, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Services will be private. The family requests contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff, 500 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.
Jim was born Aug. 5, 1921 in Brosley, Mo. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WW II He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a B.S. in Education and a minor in Agriculture. He was the principal at Williamson Kennedy Elementary School and also served at Wheatley Elementary School in Poplar Bluff. He retired after 28 years of service in 1984.
Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff where he sang in the choir and, along with this wife, was a charter member of The Weslean's Club for young married couples. He was also a member of the SEMO Investor's Club. He enjoyed fishing, golf, woodworking, bird hunting and reading.
Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years Betty Hays; daughters Pam Hays, Jami Goetz; son Ray Hays and wife Angela; grandchildren Cassie Plowman, Alexis Hays, Max Hays, Tyler Fiala and great-grandson Cavaughn Plowman.
Condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)
Paid