James Laque “Jay” Hayes, Jr.
1955-2025
James Laque “Jay” Hayes, Jr., age 70, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at his home.
Born January 17, 1955 in Annapolis, Md., he was the son of the late James Laque Hayes, Sr. and the late Dorothy Madeline Davis.
Jay attended schools in Anne Arundel County, Md.
He was an owner/operator in the trucking industry and most recently worked for MTV Solar as a maintenance and fleet technician.
He was a member of Risinger-Stotler VFW Post #4019 in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
He loved playing pool, fishing, crabbing, hunting, vegetable gardening and spending time with his family.
Jay is survived by his wife, Peggy Lee Hayes; three children, Darren Jay Hayes (Sara), Jaclyn Virginia Howard (Myson) and Jesse Laque Hayes (Kaity Platt), all of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; one sister, Susan Emily Hayes of Ellicott City, Md.; one brother, Kyle Hayes of Selbyville, Del., and eight grandchildren, Hannah, Haylee, Mason, Harper, Briella, Max, Hank and James and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Virginia, Jan and Lisa.
A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., with Pastor Rodney Truax officiating. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jay’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
