James “Jim” Hayes, known to friends and coworkers as “Gabby Hayes,” passed away October 27, 2026, at Serenity Estates of Lena, IL.

Jim was born in Freeport, IL, on February 24, 1949, to the late Riley and Clara Hayes. He graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1967 and Highland Community College in 1969.

Jim married Diane Fehr September 10, 1982, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, IA. They made their first home near Woodbine, IL, before moving to Dakota, IL, in 1989.

Jim worked as a mechanic at Bocker Auto Group in Freeport, IL, for 40 years before retiring in 2013. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in the hills of Jo Daviess County in his younger years. At home in Dakota, Jim was a true jack of all trades who was rarely without a project. He enjoyed gardening and could often be found tinkering in his shed or garage, fixing just about anything that needed attention. He also developed a passion for collecting and restoring tractors, including a Farmall Super C, a Super M, and several garden tractors.

Jim had a lifelong love of cars that extended well beyond his work as a mechanic. He could recall every car he ever owned, the year it was made, and the adventures he took in each one. He especially enjoyed taking the back roads, enjoying the journey just as much as the destination.

Jim was diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease in 2023. As the disease progressed, he remained at home under his wife’s care until his recent move to Serenity Estates of Lena.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane (Fehr) Hayes of Dakota, IL; his children, Ryan (Carrie) Hayes of Lakemoor, IL, and Brittany (Tyler) Hopwood of Chicago, IL; his grandchildren, Riley and Henry Hayes and Charlotte Hopwood; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Larry Huttenlocker) Hayes; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Clara Hayes; his brothers and sisters in law, Don (Elaine) Hayes, Orville (Barbara) Hayes, and LaVerne Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, IL, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Unity Hospice and Palliative Care or Alzheimer’s research in Jim’s memory.