Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
James Kirk Hayes, age 64, and known to most as “Jim,” passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was born in Muncie on Dec. 5, 1960, to Allen and Norma Reeves Hayes.
He spent most of his adult life in Kosciusko County, having moved to Lake Tippecanoe with his family in 1979. He graduated from Warsaw High School and earned both an associates degree in electrical engineering and later a bachelor’s degree.
In his younger years, Jim worked in the family business (Stanley Steemer) and took on ownership of the business (1991-1998). He worked for 25 years for Shambaugh & Son, as a process controls engineer. A true testament of his work ethic, he was even working from home the day before his passing. Jim loved living on Tippecanoe Lake and was actively involved in lake life and the community.
He served for many years as secretary/treasurer for the Bell-Rohr Park Association as well as for the Lake Tippecanoe Sailing Club. Jim and his wife moved to Warsaw in 2023.
Jim’s unwavering passion was for the fellowship he enjoyed at the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club where he provided the Wednesday morning PowerPoint presentations, published the annual membership directory and assisted with the Student of the Week presentations and other club activities throughout the years.
Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (Wagoner) Hayes; sisters-in-law, Shelley (Martt) Clupper, Melanie Hayes; brother-in-law, David (Tammi) Wagoner; nieces: Cheyenne(Harrison) Sparks, Carmen(Daniel) Smith, Ashley (Mitch) Miller and Madison (Braxton) Hartle; nephews: Harrison (Pearl) Hayes, Indiana Hayes, Keaton Hayes, Dana (Tetiana) Dirck and Jaxon Wagoner.
Titus Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw is entrusted with care of Jim Hayes. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 29 from 3 - 6 p.m.; a Life Celebration will be held following the viewing, with final entombment at Oakwood Cemetery.
Jim's family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made to the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com
