James "Jim" Hays

James “Jim” Hendrickson Hays passed away on May 13, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. He was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1946. Jim was a long-time resident of Somerset, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary, and his brother Jack.

Jim leaves behind a family that loves and misses him very much, including his wife of 43 years, Carol, and their son John, his wife Karolyn, and two beautiful granddaughters, Jillian and Emerson. Jim is also survived by his beloved brother Jerry, his wife Shirley, their son Joshua and his son Brayden. Jim was also privileged to enjoy a close relationship with his daughter-in-law’s parents, Lech and Lisa, their son Andrew and his son Jude, as well as Lech’s mother Krystyna.

Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, on active duty from 1966 to 1968, an experience that marked his life profoundly. He was a Life Member of the American Legion, Post 12, in Somerville where he enjoyed a few beers and some good laughs shortly before his passing. He was also a member of the Somerville Elks Lodge 1068.
Jim enjoyed a more than 30-year career in the commercial insurance industry, retiring as a Senior Vice President from Marsh and McLennan. After retirement, Jim found a new passion as a substitute teacher at Carteret High School, where his wife Carol worked as teacher until her retirement.

Jim was known for his caring and generosity, and he touched the lives of many around him. He was also known for his mischievous sense of humor and loved texting memes to the kids. He will be missed, and his memory held forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm concluding with the American Legion Post 12 Service at 7pm followed by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Military Honors at the Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to a veteran’s charity of your choice.