James Monroe Hayes, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 1, 2023, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was a member of the College Avenue church of Christ. He was born on June 19, 1940 in Pensacola, Florida as the oldest son to Franklin and Marguerite Hayes. In high school he liked working with wood and made bowls and yard ornaments. James liked to fix things his own way.

James married Hazel Simmons on June 19, 1960, in Walton County, Florida, and they were married for 63 years. They lived in DeFuniak Springs, Tampa, Choctaw Beach, Florida, and North Pole, Alaska. James worked for Creel Ford Company as a parts man, then ran a service station in DeFuniak Springs, worked at Vitro on Eglin Air Force Base, then opened Jim's Tree Service. In 1975, they moved to North Pole, Alaska. He worked for Fairbanks Datsun and then for the Teamsters working on the Alaska Pipeline and then later Alascom. In 1992, he retired from Alascom and they returned to DeFuniak Springs, While in retirement, he worked for Sadisco moving damaged vehicles for insurance companies. He loved this job because he was out all over the panhandle and could see all kinds of cars.

James was a happy man who would give you the shirt off his back and was always good for a free lunch or dinner. He loved to collect stuff and drive around and enjoy the scenery. He never saw an antique car that he didn't want to bring home. James never met a stranger.

Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Marguerite Hayes; his son James Richard Hayes; and his sister Lacy Louise Edge.

Mr. Hayes is survived by his loving wife Hazel Hayes; one daughter Olesia Hawks and husband Mike; granddaughter Brandi Carter and husband Garret; three great-grandchildren Arianne, Cameron, Shyann; sister Elizabeth Diamond and husband Bob; brother Larry Hayes and wife Tanya; sister Olyvia Eldridge and husband Jim; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel led by Marshal Sciterm.

Pallbearers will be Mike Hawks, Cameron Newsome, Derick Edge, Larry Hayes, Franklin Hayes, and Jim Eldridge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider gifting a donation to a charity of your choice in James' name.

Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/