James "Jim" Clifford Hays

James “Jim” Clifford Hays, 72, of Grain Valley, Missouri, has taken his walk with Jesus, who has taken him home to the Kingdom of Heaven on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Jim was born in Chicago, IL, on July 26, 1951. Shortly after graduating from Van Horn High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as Security Police. He was stationed at Malstrom AB, Montana, and South Korea. After four years he received an honorable discharge and he moved back to Independence, MO, with his then wife and their two daughters. 

Jim wore many hats throughout the years. He was a correctional officer at the Jackson County Jail, the Mayor of Sibley, a security officer, and a Heat Treat Operator at Bendix, where he would later retire. Jim was also a published author. He found success with his book I’m Just an Ordinary Girl: The Sharon Kinne Story which was featured on the television shows Unsolved Mysteries and Deadly Women. 

Jim was a loving father, son, brother, cousin, friend, and Papa. You could always count on him to lend a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to bend. Jim was known for having a great sense of humor and loved to pull pranks on people. He was also incredibly intelligent and was known to be a walking encyclopedia; you could ask him anything and he would have an answer. Jim loved playing guitar, singing (especially Harry Chapin songs), eating Chinese buffets, reading, and writing. But what brought him the most joy was spending time with his family. He made it a point to make sure you felt loved by him. 

Jim will be deeply missed by all that knew him, but his memory and spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Jim is survived by his two daughters, Lori Webb and Misty Cornell; siblings Paula Eldred, Richard Hays, Bill Hays, Julie McIntyre, Fred Hays, Frank Hays, Mary Hopkins, David Hays, and Sue Hays; grandchildren Elijah Webb, Ethan Webb, Aydan Cornell, Rylan Cornell, and Aislynn Hays. Jim is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Ruth Hays; best friend and fellow Airman, Jimmy Hargrove; and his super weird (but very loved) dog, Snickers. 

The visitation will be held on Friday, July 19th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine, 4313 MO-7, Blue Springs. The prayer of the Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m., lunch and Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m., and the burial at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO