Obituary for James Anderson Hayes Sr.
It is with great sorrow that the Hayes Family announces that James Anderson Hayes, Sr, born on February 9, 1928, passed away on July 24, 2020 at Rapides Regional Medical Center.
Although he was born in Alabama and spent a short part of his life in Westpoint, MS, Jimmy, as his friends fondly knew him, was raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. He graduated from Bolton High School in May 1946. Soon after graduation he joined the US Army. Despite requesting to go to Alaska, he soon found himself fortuitously stationed at the Rodriguez General Hospital, adjacent to El Moro, San Juan, Puerto Rico. There, in the Occupational Therapy Unit, he would work beside the beautiful Obdulia Teodosia Rios and fall deeply in love. Teddy and Jimmy were wed on January 15, 1949 and shortly afterwards, returned to Central Louisiana.
“Who would have ever imagined that getting laid off would turn out to be the best thing that could ever have happened for my career?” Jimmy mused when asked about his life. In 1954 after becoming one of the most talented machinists at a local company, he was told that he was being let go. Devastated, but determined to continue using his new found skills, Jim decided to open his own machine shop. His quality work and uncanny ability to figure out mechanical problems ensured his success, and soon a steady stream of customers was greeting him at his make shift shop in his garage. Initially known as Economy Welding, Jimmy and Teddy later moved their business out of their garage to a new location with a new name, Hayes Manufacturing, a family owned business that is still located at 106 Pelican Drive.
After retiring from his business, Jimmy, an incredible natural engineer with a myriad of talents, spent the remainder of his life building and creating. Known for his honesty, generosity, and ingenuity, he eventually became known for his ability to repair and build clocks. Because of his natural engineering talents, if an antique clock was brought to him missing a part and he couldn’t order it, he would research the piece and build it himself. He was a true mechanical genius.
Left to cherish his memory are his four children, Bron Hayes and wife Susan. Clifford Hayes and wife Biela, James Hayes, Jr. and wife Cindy, and his only daughter, Sonia Chevallier, as well as a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, James and Annie Hayes, his sister, Jane Copeland of Paris, TN, a son, James Michael, and his beloved wife Teddy.
The family will have a private graveside service on Monday, July 27, directed by Gallagher Funeral Home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the American Welding Society, 318 Westshore Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303. A James Hayes Memorial Welding Scholarship Fund will be set up to aid aspiring young welders.
Although he was born in Alabama and spent a short part of his life in Westpoint, MS, Jimmy, as his friends fondly knew him, was raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. He graduated from Bolton High School in May 1946. Soon after graduation he joined the US Army. Despite requesting to go to Alaska, he soon found himself fortuitously stationed at the Rodriguez General Hospital, adjacent to El Moro, San Juan, Puerto Rico. There, in the Occupational Therapy Unit, he would work beside the beautiful Obdulia Teodosia Rios and fall deeply in love. Teddy and Jimmy were wed on January 15, 1949 and shortly afterwards, returned to Central Louisiana.
“Who would have ever imagined that getting laid off would turn out to be the best thing that could ever have happened for my career?” Jimmy mused when asked about his life. In 1954 after becoming one of the most talented machinists at a local company, he was told that he was being let go. Devastated, but determined to continue using his new found skills, Jim decided to open his own machine shop. His quality work and uncanny ability to figure out mechanical problems ensured his success, and soon a steady stream of customers was greeting him at his make shift shop in his garage. Initially known as Economy Welding, Jimmy and Teddy later moved their business out of their garage to a new location with a new name, Hayes Manufacturing, a family owned business that is still located at 106 Pelican Drive.
After retiring from his business, Jimmy, an incredible natural engineer with a myriad of talents, spent the remainder of his life building and creating. Known for his honesty, generosity, and ingenuity, he eventually became known for his ability to repair and build clocks. Because of his natural engineering talents, if an antique clock was brought to him missing a part and he couldn’t order it, he would research the piece and build it himself. He was a true mechanical genius.
Left to cherish his memory are his four children, Bron Hayes and wife Susan. Clifford Hayes and wife Biela, James Hayes, Jr. and wife Cindy, and his only daughter, Sonia Chevallier, as well as a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, James and Annie Hayes, his sister, Jane Copeland of Paris, TN, a son, James Michael, and his beloved wife Teddy.
The family will have a private graveside service on Monday, July 27, directed by Gallagher Funeral Home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the American Welding Society, 318 Westshore Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303. A James Hayes Memorial Welding Scholarship Fund will be set up to aid aspiring young welders.