James Robert Hays, age 74, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July
16, 2019, in his home, following a long courageous fight with cancer. He
was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, June 24, 1945, the son of Robert and
Doris (Tucker) Hays. He served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army
in Korea from 1967 – 1969. His career was in property insurance, both as
a field claims adjuster and supervisor for over 30 years. On January 2,
1987 he and Nancy Jo Day were united in marriage.

James was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield,
Missouri. He enjoyed singing in the choir, and especially liked Southern
Gospel music. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
He also loved being outside working in his yard and tending his garden.
Jim was an avid Cardinal fan, both for the St. Louis and Springfield
Cardinals. In earlier years Jim enjoyed his time as a semi-pro bowler.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his mother, Doris Hays; two daughters
and their husbands, Jennifer and Mark Faselle, and Jamie and Daniel
Stantz; granddaughters, Kyra and Cali Faselle, and Hannah Stantz; a
sister, Deanna Skinner and husband Roger; and numerous nephews, nieces
and cousins. His father, Robert Hays, preceded hm in death.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, July 21, at Osborn Funeral Home
in Dix, with visitation starting at 1:00 PM Sunday. Burial will be in
Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens, Woodlawn, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wesley United
Methodist Church or Convoy of Hope.   These will be received at the
service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix,
Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at
www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home’s Facebook page.