James J."Jimmy" Hayes, 79, of Morris IL., passed away Thursday morning, May 25, 2017 at Park Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Jim was born July 20, 1937 in Braceville, IL. to Richard and Mildred (nee Babcock) Hayes. He worked many years as a farm hand for Francis Howland and enjoyed every minute of it. Once a farmer, always a farmer! Jim made some very special friends in the past year and a half at Park Pointe. He loved so many and so many loved him. He found a very special person named Randy. Randy was there every day for Jim. Jimmy was called "The Candyman" because he would hand out candy to the nurses and aides.

He is survived by his sister Shirley (Jack) Lardi of Morris; his niece Kim (Kenny) Walker and his nephew Brett (Julie) Lardi both of Coal City; great nieces Amy (Curt) Skubic, Taylor (Micah) Hintze and Allie Lardi; great nephews Jonathan (Kathleen) Walker, Jason Lardi and Kyle (Ashley) Lardi; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special cousins Jerry and Christine Goodwin of Wannatah, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle and aunt Jack and Rubina Hayes.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel (corner of Spring Road and Ferrari Drive) with Pastor Kevin Yandell officiating. Burial will follow at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com