James Hayes, 63, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. He was surrounded by family and close friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the First Baptist Church, located at 411. N. Warren Ave. in Winslow. Interment will be at Desert View Cemetery in Winslow. He was born Dec. 3, 1952, in Hermansville, Miss., and moved to Winslow with his parents in 1956. James attended school in Winslow. Growing up he played Little League for many years, coached by his father, Henry Hayes Sr. In high school he became a track star; his relay team broke many records. He graduated in 1971. After graduation, he attended carpentry school. He worked as a switchman for the Santa Fe Railroad. He did construction, and worked for Navajo County. James worked for the Winslow Postal Service Highway Contractor for over 35 years, delivering mail on the reservation. He continued there until the Lord called him home. During his life James enjoyed umpiring for the City of Winslow Co-Ed Softball League. He enjoyed fishing, camping and collecting guns. He loved listening to gospel music. James accepted the Lord and was baptized in October 1991. He was a longtime faithful member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, where he loved to play the drums. He leaves behind his mother, Mary Hayes of Winslow; his companion, Bernadine Barton of Winslow; two sons, James Hayes Jr. of Reno, Nev., and Shawn Michael Hayes of Winslow; one daughter, Aria Hayes, and one stepdaughter, Chanel Renfro, both of Winslow; five sisters, Betty Hayes of Chicago, Ill., and Mildred (Jack) Dunham, Mary Alice Hayes, Brenda Graham and Louise (Elvis) Sweet, all of Winslow; one brother, Henry Lee Hayes Jr. of Winslow; his uncle and aunt Tom and Dorothy Echoles of Winslow, and uncle Buddy Norwood of Sunflower, Miss.; two godsisters, Kathy Matthews of Phoenix and Wendy Scott of Baltimore, Md.; a godbrother, Stacey Robertson of Apple Valley, Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. James was preceded in death by his father, Henry Lee Hayes Sr.; his sister, Sherry Hayes; his stepson, Jacob Betoney; and a niece, Tiana Hayes. Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.