Clear, 68° F
(Oct. 30, 1944 - Dec. 21, 2016)
James Franklin “Jim” Hayes passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with numerous health issues.
Jim was born on Oct. 30, 1944, in Casper, Wyoming, to James Boggs and Ruth Grondal Boggs Lane.
He began his broadcasting career at the age of fourteen when he became a deejay at KATI radio. After graduating from Natrona High School in Casper in 1962, he attended the University of Wyoming where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, becoming its president during his sophomore year. He quickly became the main emcee for University activities. Jim was also an active member of ROTC at UW.
His studies were interrupted in 1967 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army as a 2nd LT. This resulted in his going to Vietnam for a year. Upon his return, he and Anne Coe were married on Aug. 15, 1969. After a year at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, their first anniversary was spent with Jim on his return to Vietnam for a second tour. He was honorably discharged as a captain in January, 1972. He returned to college and received a degree in journalism in 1973.
Jim and Anne moved to Cody where he purchased KODI radio and later KTAG radio, forming Shoshone Communications. Jim enjoyed many years of radio journalism in the Cody area, his voice becoming a familiar backdrop to community events and news. Jim was elected president of the Wyoming Broadcasters’ Association.
Jim was a member of the Cody Volunteer Fire Department for many years. During that time he held the post of captain and chief. He loved his time on the Department and formed many great and lasting friendships while there.
Jim was a lifetime member of the Lions, the Elks, the Masons, and the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
He was also a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church, eventually completing its EFM (Episcopalians for the Ministry) three-year course.
Jim and Anne’s family grew; James Franklin “Jay” Hayes, Jr. was born in 1974. He was followed by Margaret Ruth “Meg” Hayes in 1976.
In their retirement, Jim and Anne traveled often to Colorado to spend time with their son Jay, his wife Brittany and their three children, Colin, Addison, and Camden. In 2015, the entire family celebrated the wedding of their daughter Meg to William Frère; in 2016, they welcomed a new grandchild, Anne-Margaret, to their family. Family, friends, and faith remained the focal point of Jim’s life in later years.
Those who knew Jim will remember his leadership, service and wonderful sense of humor. They will also remember his grace and courage as illness claimed his body but never his alert and focused mind. Jim set an example for all of us in coping with life’s setbacks and making the best of every opportunity. He will be remembered with love.
Jim was preceded in death by his birth father James Boggs, his brother Bill Hayes, and his mother-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Shaw Coe.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Coe Hayes, of Cody; his mother, Ruth Grondal Lane, of Cody; his son, James “Jay” F. Hayes, Jr. (Brittany) of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughter Margaret “Meg” Ruth Hayes Frère (William) of Geneva, Switzerland; grandchildren Colin Hayes, Addison Hayes, Camden Hayes, and Anne-Margaret Frère; brothers-in-law Sen. Henry Coe and Robert Coe (Angela) of Cody; nephews H.R. Coe (Thai), Rob Coe, and Hubbard Coe; and nieces Carey Coe (Jeff) Johnson and Bethany Coe Boydstun as well as several great-nephews and -nieces.
Services will be Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Cody, with a celebration of life to follow at the Olive Glenn Country Club.
The Hayes family extends their thanks to all of the caregivers who have assisted them through the years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cody Fire Department (1125 11th Street, Cody, WY, 82414), Christ Episcopal Church (825 Simpson Ave., Cody, WY, 82414) or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (720 Sheridan Ave., Cody, WY, 82414).
Go with God, Jim.
