James E. Hayes

ORANGE - James E. Hayes, Jr., 43 of 459 East River St., Orange, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 19, 2016. He was born in Athol, on November 15, 1973, the son of James E. Hayes and Sheila M. (Blood) Hayes. Jim grew up in Orange and graduated from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School with the class of 1992. He served in the U.S. Army for 12 years where he was in charge of the motor pool and also served as a Casualty Assistance Officer, Sexual Assault Advocate, and was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. After his discharge he continued to serve in the National Guard for 8 years. He owned and operated Patriot Auto in Orange for 14 years. He was a member of the Athol-Orange Eagles and served as a trustee. He was a member of the Orange Planning Board. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing pool and being with his family. He leaves his daughter, Samantha Hayes of Orange; his son, James D. Hayes of Orange; his fiancé, Dena Whitney of Orange, his Grandson, Jaden Harris of Orange; his mother, Sheila Hayes of Orange, his father James E. Hayes of Orange; his sister, Kim Hayes-Bardsley of Orange; his maternal grandfather, Edgar N. Blood of Orange; a niece, Karissa Bardsley of Orange and a nephew Hunter Bardsley of Orange. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 11 am in the Fiske-Murphy& Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. Burial with full military honors will follow in Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to The National Alliance To End Veteran Suicide. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements.