James David Hayes, 75 of Clarendon, went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 4, 2025 at VA Hospital in Little Rock, AR.  He was born December 22, 1949 in Clarendon AR.  He was drafted in 1969 to the US Army. He later found his passion for welding and fabricating.  He continued his passion for over 40 years.

James married the love of his life, Shirley Clemons, on December 1, 1974.  He attended Clarendon Church of Christ.  He loved spending time with family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Clemons Hayes; his father, Johnny Hayes; one son, Gary Potter; two brothers, Johnny (Peanut) Hayes and Paul Hayes.

James is survived by his son, JD ( Angela) Hayes of DeWitt; his mother, Virginia Hayes of Clarendon;  one brother, Mike Hayes of Clarendon; five sisters, Donna ( Charles) Ellis of Conway, Peggy Ross of Clarendon, Jennifer Brinker of Eufaula, OK, Beverly ( Jessie) Hillhouse of Clarendon and Tina ( Greg) Sanderson of Lawton, MI; one grandson, Peyton Danner; two great-granddaughters, Isabelle and Saylor.  Along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arm around him and whispered, "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away, Although we loved him dearly We could not make him stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the very best.

A family hosted Celebration of Life will be planned for James and Shirley Hayes at a later date.