James Earl Hays - February 7, 2013 James Earl Hays, 85 of Paragould, passed away February 7, 2013 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. He was born February 15, 1927 in Darden, Tennessee to the late Roby and Myrtle Hays. A Mason, Mr. Hays was retired from the U.S. Navy where he taught the English language to Japanese students. He was a member and Sunday school teacher at Lake St. Baptist Church. James loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.Preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Kristy Reah Hays; and two brothers, Jerry and Brodie Hays.His survivors include his spouse of 62 years, Peggy Hays; one son and daughter-in-law, James P. and Ty Hays; one daughter, Tera Sage; four grandchildren, Jennifer Marcelo, Kaitlyn, Ethan, and Lily Hays; three great grandchildren, Christopher, Justin, and Taylor Ray Marcelo.The family will receive friends Saturday, February 9 from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with Wayne Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in the New Friendship Cemetery.Serving as Pallbearers will be Steve Hays, Clift Manley, Matthew Manley, Kyle Manley, and Brandon Edgar. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jodie Faulkner, Jerry Manley, Randal Clark, and Jim's Sunday School Class.The family would like to thank the entire staff of 3 Central at AMMC for their loving care of James. Peggy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many. You will all be in my heart and prayers. With love, KimKim Quinn I pray that you feel our Savior's sweet, gentle spirit around you. For He said that He would never leave us nor forsake us. "May the Lord bless and keep you. May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord grant you favor and give you peace"Bonnie Grimes and family Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless Malinda Schiestel Kaminer My deepest sympathy to the friends and family of James Hays. Our Heavenly Father is near to those who are crushed in spirit at times such as these. Pease find comfort that He promises at Revelation chapter 21 and verse 4; "and He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, netiher will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."D. Batts