Jim Hayes

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of James ‘Jim’ Michael Hayes, 63 of West Chester, on December 7, 2023.

Born to Martin and Margaret Mary (nee Mentz) Hayes on July 16, 1960 in Lakewood, Ohio. Jim, the oldest of thirteen children, grew up wanting to be a priest before he decided to join the United States Marine Corps at 18. While serving in the Marine Corps, Jim traveled and lived around the world, eventually enrolling at the University of Oklahoma to begin his military officer career. It was there where he met the love of his life, Lisa. Despite Lisa turning down Jim when he first offered her a ride home on the night they met, they went on to create a life with two daughters and they recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. Jim ended his service as a Captain in the Marine Corps and found success as an entrepreneur working with military veterans.

While his wife and daughters always came first, Jim had many hobbies and enjoyed being a member of several different clubs throughout the years. Most recently, Jim devoted his time to the Safari Club International Southwest Ohio Chapter to promote wildlife conservation and the freedom to hunt. He also spent his free time going on African Safari Hunting trips. On these trips, he worked closely with African schools and hospitals to provide educational resources and medical supplies.

Jim’s quiet yet boisterous demeanor made him someone you could easily go to for comfort or help while also expecting jokes from his child-like sense of humor. He recently went back to his Irish roots and would wear a kilt while hunting but also while mowing the grace and just hanging out at home. Jim would describe himself as a simple guy but the reality is he made a huge impact on a lot of people’s lives.

There is comfort knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved daughter, Laura Christine Hayes, and father, Martin Hayes. Jim is survived by his wife, Lisa (nee Burgess) Hayes, daughter, Carlene Hayes, mother, Margaret Mary Hayes, siblings Patty Kubick, Jackie Rodriguez, Eileen Hayes, Kathy Clarke, Chris Hayes, Kevin Hayes, Eddie Hayes, Maggie Jeveck, Maureen Draye, Marty Hayes, John Hayes, Mary Jo Hayes, as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 14th from 4:00-6:00PM with a funeral service at 6:00PM all at the Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH 45040. A reception will be hosted at Delta Hotels by Marriott Cincinnati Sharonville located at 11320 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH, 45246.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Semper Fi American Fund .

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hayes Family. 513-398-9100.