Obituary of James T. Hayes

James (Jim) T. Hayes, age 79, entered the gates of Heaven on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Jim was born on November 19, 1943 to the late George and Belva (Hornsby) Hayes. Jim resided in West Columbia, South Carolina and was a general contractor.

On Sunday evening February 19^th, a band of angels surrounded Jim in a halo of light and love and his soul ascended into Heaven.

Jim was kind, generous, and humble, a man of integrity. He was devoted to his beloved wife, Jackie. He loved his family and was especially fond of his “baby girl” Chelsea, his 7 years old Chihuahua.

He served our country in the Marines and was a member of the Masons, the Shriners and the American Legion.

Jim Hayes was a philanthropist at heart. He was an award winning BBQ pit master famous for his mustard based sauce. He competed in fundraisers benefiting children sponsored by the Masons and Shriners, combining his love of grilling with his desire to help children in need. He donated all the proceeds, including labor, meat (hams, shoulders, butts, ribs, chicken, and venison). He also cooked for friends and family. If you were fortunate enough to have tasted Jim’s renowned moist and tender pork butts, you knew you had just savored a culinary delight. 

He was a Master Shiner; his apple pie moonshine is a mouth warming, smooth, refreshing and delicious libation. If you happened to be gifted with a pint of this nectar, you were in for a treat. Every Christmas, Jim and Jackie baked fruit cakes - usually making 40 - 50 cakes that he would give to family and friends - a true labor of love. These cakes were moist and tasty - chockfull of fruit and nuts.

He was also an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener.

Jim was a giver - never asked for anything in return. He was a humble man.  He will be missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Senn Hayes; sons, Jamie Hartley, Mike Hutto; loving daughter, Shannon Hutto; grandchildren, John David Burroughts II, Calvin Hutto; great granddaughter, Kellyn Vandegrift; brothers, Olin Hayes (Rachel), late Clifton Hayes (late Teresa Hayes), George Hayes, Jr. (Jeanette Hayes); sisters, Frances Wright (late Cecil Wright), Shirley Wiley (late Warren Wiley), late Saundra Blythe (late Jack Blythe), late Mildred Tidwell (late Charles Tidwell), Esther Hayes, Mary McLendon (late Robbie McLendon) and Myrtle Gause (Dale Gause); 14 nieces (10 living) and 16 nephews (12 living) and Austin Hayes.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC.