James Hayes

James W. "Jim" Hayes, age 85, of Fairmount, Indiana, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Wesleyan Health and Rehabilitation Center in Marion, Indiana.

Jim married Brenda Fones on March 20,1993. They enjoyed Playing Euchre, they could easily beat their kids at Euchre even with the worst of hands, and relished the wins .Jim learned is card skills from his mother Ruth. Jim and Brenda loved warm beaches, and long weekends with friends. He enjoyed morning coffee with friends at the former Outpost and The Branch in Fairmount. Jim was an avid reader. He loved history and biographies. He passed down his love for books to his children. He was an excellent writer and served as editor for the Grant Life Star Bank newsletter, that became wildly popular with other employees as a result of his witty commentary and satire.

Jim was a member and also served as president of the Fairmount Lions Club, Main Street Fairmount, and the James Dean Historical Museum . He attended the River Church {formally Lake View Wesleyan church.}

He graduated from Sweetser High School and attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Jim was a United States Air Force veteran. Having served as an intelligence analyst. Jim was proud to serve his country. He retired from Deluxe Corporation after 32 years as a sales representative and later served as Vice President of Grant Credit Life through Star Bank.

Jim was born at home in Marion, Indiana, on October 4, 1940, to the late John C. and Ruth A. (Hoskins) Hayes. Jim's wife Brenda survives him.

Also surviving are his children: Lisa (Robert) Komorous-McNiff, Julie Baldwin, Jennifer Haynes, Daniel (Stacey) Hayes, Michael Hayes, Toyna (Thomas) Gardner, and Ross (Bethany) Fones; his sister, Jane Gsell; grandchildren: Elizabeth Bishop, Rayna Inviere, Victor Hayes, Lila Hayes, Taylor (Joel) Thomas, Carli Fones, Adam Thurmand, Morgan Gardner, and Austin Gardner. Cherished nephew, Bruce Thornton; and niece, Amanda Bessette; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother at birth, William Hayes; and his brother-in-law, John Gsell.

Life Celebration Services have been entrusted to Fairmount Chapel Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana. POSTPONDED TO A LATER DATE, TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Main Street Fairmount or The River Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared atwww.armeshuntfuneralhome.com