James Anthony Hayes

James Anthony Hayes

March 23, 1944 - January 11, 2021
Laguna Niguel California

James Anthony Hayes

March 23, 1944 - January 11, 2021
Laguna Niguel California

Obituary

Jim Hayes passed away from natural causes on Monday January 11, 2021 in Laguna Niguel, California at the age of 76.

Jim was born on March 23rd, 1944 in Mansfield, England to Dorothy and Horace Hayes.  In school he was successful in athletics and academics and was head boy in secondary school. Jim graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Physics.  He immigrated to the United States in 1968 to work on semiconductor design and manufacturing. He started at General Instruments in Salt Lake City.  He then moved to Silicon Valley to work at AMI, Synertek, Honeywell, and later at Varian. His specialty was creating the “recipe” for controlling the materials, environment, and manufacturing of silicon chips.  His colleagues would say that like baking a cake, anyone can follow a proven recipe, but only a chef with great expertise can devise the recipe and predict how the ingredients will react.  He obtained several patents and gave speeches on his work.  He then started his own successful consulting business called Mospro which allowed him to ease into retirement in 2007.

In his middle years, Jim was an avid sportsman, playing tennis, soccer, and golf.  He and his friends would take local trips to Pajaro Dunes Resort to catchup and recharge. He took many vacations with friends in Tahiti, skiing in Utah, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, houseboat trip on the Delta River, and tropical retreats to Maui.  He made his way back to England several times to visit his sisters and other family and reminisce on where it all began.

Jim moved to Southern California in 2015 to be closer to his sons.  He spent his remaining years with his family, getting to see his granddaughters on a weekly basis.  He spent his free time working through hundreds of advanced Sudoku books, going for daily walks, and visiting his clubhouse for a swim and hot tub.  Though he struggled with dementia, he always recognized his sons, daughters-in-law, and especially his beautiful granddaughters. The mere sight of his family energized him and lit up his face with that amazing smile. Jim was known to his family and friends as a warm, kind hearted, and generous man.

Jim is survived by his sisters Jill and Lin, sons Dan and Tom, and granddaughters Lana and Lauren.

Please join the family for a virtual live-streamed Memorial held at O’Connor Mortuary on Saturday, January 30th at 2:00 PM PST.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

 

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17 responses to James Anthony Hayes

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  1. It was a pleasure having Janes in our place. He left us happy memories.

  2. Robin Hayes says:

    Jim had a way of making you immediately feel welcome and cared for. He was always ready with a kind smile and warm hug. He was quick to laugh and ready to dance. I will miss his loving nature and the look of joy on his face when he spent time with his granddaughters.

  3. LINDA ALLMAN says:

    Jim, my dear big brother. I will miss you terribly, but will never forget you. When we were children you were the role model that I tried to emulate, I even followed you to the same University and was sad when your career eventually took you away over the pond. It was so good to see you on holiday visits to California. I will remember all the wonderful times we had together whenever I think of you, and that way I will not be sad.

    Linda

  4. michele says:

    Im so sorry

  5. Daniel Hayes says:

    As a kid my dad was my hero and my beacon of hope. As I grew up he became a role model and stabilizing force. Later, he was a trusted friend and advisor. He always seemed happy and content, purposeful but relaxed, confident but humble. He always stressed the importance of balance in life. Work hard and play hard. Be kind, be generous, be gracious. He gave of himself freely with his friendship, his love, his knowledge, his positivity towards life. He asked for little in return and would never brag or boast or hold a grudge. He just lived, and shared, and tried to do the right thing. Do this and repeat. Like a true engineer, refine the process, and stick to the routine. This was the formula for his success and it gave him peace of mind throughout his life.

    One weekend a month I got to hang with my Dad. These times are some the happiest memories in my life. Hihn Rd was my safe haven and fortress of solitude. I never had as much carefree fun or slept as well as I did at my dad’s house. I remember starting every weekend with a trip to 7/11 for slurpees or big fountain sodas and snacks for the road. Safeway ritual for all weekend supplies: pop tarts, chips, pretzels, sugar smacks or fruit loops, and other contraband. Playing golf at Valley Gardens. Playing tennis with him and his friends. Playing billiards at the local pub. Dinners and entertainment at Ciao Bella. Mexican food and margaritas at Don Quixote’s. Endless homemade spaghetti night. Round Table Pizza and movie rentals. Pancakes, fruit, bacon, syrup and whip cream. Going roller skating and to the movie theater in Scotts Valley. Hikes in the hills above his house and along the local streams.
    Swimming at the Brownlee house. I remember putting my young hand on my dad’s seemingly massive bicep. I remember looking forward to falling asleep on the couch and my dad carrying me in his arms to bed. I remember him letting me sip his Budweiser or later when we shared his delicious Pina Coladas. Playing darts on the back deck. Going to my brother’s soccer games when my dad was his coach. Wishing I could play for him. Playing extra hard when he would come to watch me play. Wanting so badly to impress him and make him proud with my own athletic ability and my performance in school. Wanting to be like him. All the time knowing how much he loved me regardless of what I did or how I did it. My dad introduced me to one of my favorite places on earth, Hawaii. A place of natural beauty, peace and energy, warmth and happiness. Now when I go there I will always think of him.

    His close friends have had wonderful things to say about the times they spent together. I can’t thank them enough for being a part of his life. My dad never found a life-long partner. Besides Tom and me, I believe he valued his friends above all else. They all completed him in the way only friends can. I am sure he is smiling down on us all with that amazing warm smile right now. Fulfilled, no regrets, unencumbered, full of strength, reunited with his mum and dad, and free again!

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