James Hayes

James Harlin "Jim" Hayes, age 78 of Burwood Community, TN passed away January 27, 2019. Born in the big white house at Harlinsdale Farm and on that same farm was a walking horse named Midnight Sun that became an icon to Franklin. Graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1958 and received his Bachelor's Degree from David Lipscomb College. Being an active amateur radio operator (HAM) with an interest in broadcasting, he organized Franklin High School Radio Club. As a teenager he began a career in radio at WAGG-AM owned by Bill Ormes. Then he later partnered with Bob Sewell, Revis Hobbs and Frank Beasley and founded WIZO-AM FM. In 1985 he joined Charles Dibrell, Bill Ewin, Tom Lawrence and Darrell Williams at WAKM-AM 950. He was an astute business man by consulting in tower construction and broadcast engineering. He served as past president of the Williamson County Franklin Chamber of Commerce and past president and member of Franklin Noon Rotary Club and received a Paul Harris Fellow. As a leader in the community, he was recognized by the Williamson County Franklin Chamber of Commerce with the Legends Award in 2010. He was a member of Burwood Church of Christ. Preceded in death by parents, Vanus Harlin and Maurie Welch Hayes; brother in law, Victor Neiland; nephew, Hayes Neiland; parents in law, Leonard and Annie Lou Barker Grigsby. Survived by: wife of 55 years, Judith G. "Judy" Hayes of Burwood Community, TN; sister, Mary Etta Neiland of Huntsville, AL; brother in law, Jack L. Grigsby of Ft. Worth, TX; nieces and nephews, Dr. John (Michele) Neiland of Alpharetta, GA, Bill (Teri) Neiland of Huntsville, AL, Mary Jacque Thompson of Ft. Worth, TX and Susan (Tony) Florence of Austin, TX; great nieces and nephews, Hayes, Claire, Clay and Callie Neiland, Brad Florence, Scott Hollis and Lauren (Casey) Able; great great niece, Hudson Rose Able; WAKM Radio Family, special cousin, Jon Duncan and other loving family members. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted 11:00 AM Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Clay Harlin officiating. Interment Burwood Cemetery. Cousins and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be WAKM Radio Family, members of Burwood Church of Christ, Amateur Radio (HAM) Friends, Burwood, Franklin and County Friends. Memorials may be made to Friends of Franklin Parks at Harlinsdale for the restoration of the Hayes House and/or Historic Barn, P.O. Box 549, Franklin, TN 37065 or Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, 410 Allied Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. Special thanks to nurses and staff of NHC Place Cool Springs; special sitters, James Kimble and Misty Kirk and Dr. Sam Bastian. Visitation will be 4-8PM Wednesday and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Thursday, January 31st, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Service Information

Thursday, January 31st, 2019 11:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home