Hays, James William, on Friday, August 8, 2025.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Angela Hays, of 50 years. Dear father of William Hays, James Hays, and Andrew (Kayla) Hays. Adored grandfather of James Jr, Kendra, Bryson, Kylie, Kymber, Brayden, and Oliver. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara (Ray) Kountzman, Mary (Brad) Zachry, Michael Hays, and Roseann (Bob) Wagner, as well as his siblings-in-law, Cynthia (Jim) Lynch, Ronald Wingbermuehle, Jr., and Patricia Wingbermuehle. He was a cherished uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to so many.
Jim was a 1975 graduate of Mehlville HIgh School, and graduated from Lindenwood University with a bachelor’s degree in Business. He was employed at Pepsi Beverages Company for 35 years and made a lot of life long friends along the way. He loved bowling, golf, and all other things sports. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends at any type of gathering or event. He was a cherished coach to hundreds and a voice of reason to all.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Christy Lynn Hays, his parents Gordon (Jim) and Rosemary Hays, his sister Melinda Hays, his parents-in-law Ron and Alice Wingbermuehle, and his sister-in-law Katherine Allison.
Services: Visitation is August 11, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO. Funeral Mass is August 12, 2025, arrive at Kutis Funeral Home 9:15 am, and then to St. Joseph Parish, 6020 Old Antonia Rd, Imperial MO 10:00 am mass. Interment Shepherd Hills Cemetery.
I am blessed to have the best cousins in the world and Jimmy was cream of the crop. Rest in peace and you are missed, cuz.
Angie and Hays Family – Sincerest sympathy on the loss of Jimmy. He’ll always be that to us!! May your happy memories be the treasures that make these days easier to bear. God wrap you all in His peace.
Rest in peace Jim. Condolences to you Angie .as long as I have know you guys, almost fifty years, it was always Jim and Angie !! You were an amazing couple together. I will remember Jim as a guy who never backed down from accountability, integrity, nor absolute love and loyalty for his wife and family. Thanks for hosting so many many super bowls. He and Christy got this!!!
My sincere condolences to the Hays family and my friend Barb Hays Kountzman and her family
We are so very sorry for all of your losses. We sure did appreciate how well he coached Rusty in baseball and soccer he will definitely be remembered.
Angie and family I am so so sorry about Jim he was one of my best friends in Pepsi he was such a nice man and oh how he loved you Angie my thoughts and prayers are with you I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend his funeral but I have to have a hip replacement and I can’t get it because I got a case of the shingles and I have to get rid of them before they’ll operate but my heart and my prayers are with you
Angie;
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. My fondest memories of Jim is asking him to let me know what I’m during with my batting when struggling. I will sure miss this and seeing him at the ball fields watching our games. And also seeing him laughing and smiling all the time🥲💔Take care and Huggs.💔🙏🏻❤️
My name is Rich Frey, and I had the privilege of working with Jim for over 10 years at Pepsi—first in his role in the St. Louis region and later as Director of Sales Operations for the entire company. I was so saddened to hear of his passing.
Jim was more than just a talented executive—he was steady, thoughtful, and respected by everyone, from those working in the plant to the president of the company. His leadership and dedication left a lasting mark on all of us who worked with him.
What I’ll remember most, though, are the moments outside the formal meetings. During our travels together, Jim often spoke with such warmth and pride about his family—it was clear you were the greatest joy in his life. And, of course, there were the lines of wisdom. One of my favorites was: “Everyone wants to get paid for overtime, but no one wants to work it.” Classic Jim—blunt truth wrapped in good humor.
I feel lucky to have known him.
Please accept the heartfelt condolences of my wife, Carrie, and me.
Rich Frey
Thinking of you all and sending so much love and hugs from afar. How lucky you all were to have each other. Hoping you find comfort in his memories now and in the years to come. I didn’t know Jimmy but you are such a neat and special family so I can only imagine how big this loss is. We love you! ❤️ Molly & Tim
Sincere condolences to the family.
Jim will now be a member of baseball heaven. One of his memorable quotes: “This thing works best when players play, coaches coach, umpires ump and spectators spectate”.
May he rest in peace.
Angie I am so sorry for your loss Jim was a great man, coach, and all around nice person. My prayers are with your family
Dear Hayes Family: The life of Jim’s light will shine forever!
Oh Angie,
I just heard about the loss of your wonderful husband. I still cherish the softball games and trips and how kind you both were/are. I will be praying for your entire family.
Jean Ayer (Shkapsky)