James E Hays, age 84, of Central Point, died September 29, 2022 in a local hospital. A memorial service is planned for October 26th at 11 am at Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, Oregon.

Born Feb. 1, 1938, in Peru, Nebraska, to Louise and June Hays, Jim was the third of 11 children. Jim lived on a farm until 1956, when he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed out of Alameda, California, on the lightship Relief until 1960. He stayed in the Bay Area and joined the Belmont Fire Department in 1960 and retired as a captain in 1992 after 32 years of service.

In 1993, he and his wife moved from Half Moon Bay, California, to Central Point, Oregon. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Loyola, and his daughter, Meghan Hays. He is also survived by five sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be laid to rest at the VA Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund at www.wodff.org