James D. "Jim" Hay
June 23, 2014
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Service Details
James D. “Jim” Hay, 85, of Des Moines passed away at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston on June 23, 2014.
The youngest of three sons born to Melvin C. and Elsa M. Hay, Jim lived his entire life in the Highland Park/Oak Park area of Des Moines. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church where he attended grade school and served as an altar boy over 70 years ago. After attending Dowling and North High Schools, Jim served in the US Army where he was a railroad engineer during the Korean War.
After his tour of duty, Jim returned to Des Moines and to the Des Moines Union Railroad where he worked as a railroad engineer for over 45 years. His passion was cars and nearly everything mechanical, an environment in which he greatly excelled. When he was not working on the railroad or spending time with his family, Jim worked as an auto mechanic, race car driver and builder and as a designer and builder of countless items made of steel and aluminum. His passion, since his retirement from the railroad, was building small model engines where he delighted in the many friendships he built over the years with fellow machinists and other small model gas engine enthusiasts. Jim was also a member, over the years, of a variety of clubs and organizations related to his avocations.
Jim is survived by Ila (ILa Mae), his loving wife of over 60 years who currently resides at Bishop Drumm; his children, Debra L. “Deb” Stearns of Des Moines and James D. “Jim” Hay II of Chicago; granddaughters, Nancy Robertson of DeWitt and Christine Eddie of Norwalk; two great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson. The youngest of three boys, Jim is also survived by his older brother, Donald E. “Don” Hay (or “Moe” to Jim) who also resides at Bishop Drumm. He was preceded into eternal life by his parents; and his oldest brother, Robert M. “Bob” Hay of Des Moines and Arizona.
There will be no visitation. A memorial service is being planned for the future and will be announced accordingly. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Bishop Drumm Care Center or to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL).
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dan Hay
01/17/2015
Jim is probably the most talented craftsman I've ever known. When he passed, a library of mechanical and technical knowledge went with him. I always treasured my visits to Jim and Ila when in Des Moines. My dad also appreciated his help and advice very much. He was kind and would always help my dad on projects.
Nanette LaVia
07/14/2014
Debbie & Jimmy:
I feel so fortunate that I was able to visit your dad not long before he died. We really had a nice conversation & one I'll remember forever. Although I didn't get to see Jim & Ila often enough, he was one great guy of whom I had great respect. My prayers are with the Hay family.
Janice (Jan) Hornocker
06/30/2014
For Jim the 2nd; This is a voice out of your past. Maybe you remember summer of working in the County Attorney's office? We explored the Courthouse, even climbing up to the Bell Free? You were such a neat person. I saw your Dad's Obit. and I do want to express my condolences. I hope all is well with you. My e-mail is Jan.horn@mchsi.com. If you get this, drop me a email. You take care..
Mike Klein
06/30/2014
My deepest condolences on your loss. I had gotten to know Jim through his neighbors Charlie and Terry Farrell, and enjoyed my visits with him each time I visited my daughter and son-in-law up from Texas. I am sure Jim in in a much better place and may he rest in peace.
Russ Herrstrom
06/30/2014
My condolences to Jim's family. I am one of Jim's model engine friends and our hobby has lost a great talent and friend. He was always generous with his time,knowledge and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
John Logsdon
06/29/2014
I am sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a great guy. My condolences to his family.
Deb McWilliams
06/29/2014
My Family (Phyllis Johnson and kids) lived next door to Jim and Ila Hays and their children, They were wonderful neighbors, always watching out for the others in the neighborhood. They showed great friendship to our family over the years. Jim was a kind and caring Man and I loved going over to their house to visit and talk! Jim, you will be greatly missed, Rest in Peace!!
Eric Brekke
06/28/2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and ILa at an engine show 14 years ago. I looked forward to every summer when we would get together at the shows. He was always willing to share his knowledge and give a pat on the back. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Michael Couch
06/28/2014
I grew up in the neighborhood where Jim lived with his wife ILa, daughter Deb and son Jim. I shared Jim's passion for automobiles and mechanical things only I didn't have his knowledge and skills, so I took advantage of his skills as often as possible. I spent a lot of time with him in his backyard garage and didn't realize it at the time, but not only was I learning about automobiles I was learning many important life lessons. Most of these lessons were from just watching how Jim lived his life, the importance he placed on family the respect he showed for friends and business associates and generally how important integrity and good character was to him. Jim was highly respected by everyone who knew him.
I am honored to have known Jim, saddened by his passing and extend my sincere condolences to his family.