James “Jim” Mitchell Hays, III, 80, of Winfield, KS passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025 at his home with his wife by his side.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Union-Graham Cemetery in Winfield. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Thursday, May 29 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Winfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cowley County Humane Society; donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.

Jim was born on September 4, 1944, in Signal Hill, Long Beach, CA to parents James Mitchell Monroe Hays Jr. and Margaret Janice (Ely) Hays. Jim graduated from Anaheim Union High School, then attended Fullerton Junior College and California State at Fullerton, where he received his BA and MPA (Master of Public Administration). He worked at Blue Chip Stamp Company before joining the USMC in 1964. He was honorably discharged in 1968. During his time he was part of the 5th Marine Division, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Danang and Chuli, Vietnam, and Marine HQ in Washington, DC. On November 9, 1974 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Gene Anne Kelley, in Orange County, CA. The couple moved to Winfield, where Jim worked as the Unit C director, personnel director and the assistant superintendent of the Winfield State Hospital until its closing. He then started as the Administrative Superintendent of the Kansas Veterans Home. He worked for the State of Kansas for over 30 years. Jim enjoyed model railroading and studying American history and Biblical Archaeology. Jim was a member of the LDS Church, the American Legion, and VFW, and was very proud to have helped get the Kansas Veterans Cemetery established in Winfield.

Jim is survived by his wife, children Loron Hays (Bobbie), Alyssa Hill (Mike), sister Marilyn Strong (Mike), nephew Jeff Strong and niece Emily Strong, grandson Steen Hays, and great-niece Olivia Strong. He is preceded in death by his parents.