Hays, James Grant 1865-1941

HAYS, BIXLER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/9/2023 at 17:18:22

ESTEEMED AKRON CITIZEN IS CALED BY DEATH FRIDAY

Last Rites Are Held For James G. Hays On Sunday Afternoon

This community heard with genuine sorrow and regret of the passing of James G. Hays, one of Akron’s best known and most highly esteemed citizens and business men, last Friday afternoon, March 21, 1941, at about 3 o’clock. He had been a sufferer from heart trouble over a period of a number of years and for a few days before the final summons came it was evident that he could not long survive. He attained the age of 75 years, 10 months and 3 days.

James Grant Hays was born May 18, 1865, in Stephenson county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was united in marriage with Laura May Bixler, August 15, 1889, at Dakota, Illinois. A few years later he took his family west to South Dakota, where he engaged in farming and later conducted a general store at Faulkkton, S. D., and at Hornick, Iowa coming to Akron in 1903 he purchased the meat market of Wm. Simeon and conducted this business a number of years. Some twenty-five years ago he disposed of the business and became actively engaged in real estate and insurance. As agent for the Farmers Mutal Hail Insurance Association of Iowa for many years, he also acted as a loss adjuster in this territory and was considered one of the most capable and efficient of the company’s large staff.

Mr. Hays united with the Methodist church in 1912 and had served on the board of trustees continuously since that time. He also took an active interest in the civic affairs of the community and served as town councilman and park commissioner. He did not seek political preferment, but was a staunch believer in the principles of the Republican party and an active worker and participant in its councils.

Since the death of his wife in June 1922, Mr. Hays had made his home with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Mitchell, who gave him every possible care and attention during his illness.

He is survived by three children, Dr. Victor J. Hays, of Chicago, Ill.; James R. Hays, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Ruth Mitchell of Akron; also by two grandsons, James Hays and William Hays. The community tenders its deep sympathy to these relatives in the loss of a kind and devoted father.

The departure of this upright, loyal and friendly citizen is keenly regretted I the wide circle of friends gained during a residence of thirty-eight years in Akron.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon in the Methodist church and there was a large attendance. The pastor, Rev. W. H. Lease, who delivered a fine sermon and fitting tribute to the department brother of the church, was assisted in the service by Rev. Wilson Gow, of Sioux City, a former pastor here Paul Sayder, of Sioux City, formerly of Akron, sang three hymns, “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”. He was accompanied at the piano by Mrs. W. J. Brunner. Acting as pallbearers were Herbert Wetzeler, Harry Nelson, Max Pollock, Eugene Lias, Waldo Hilliker and Rollo J. Baker. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Those come from a distance were Dr. Victor J. Hays, of Chicago; Clarence C. Jones, of Des Moines; Hays Mitchell and daughter Kathryn, of Dakota, Ill.; E. B. Hilliker, OF Earlham, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Benson of Sheldon, Iowa.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, March 27, 1941
Akron, Iowa