James H. Hayes, Jr.

James H. Hayes was born in Mt. Vernon, New York on October 31, 1932. He graduated from A.B. Davis High School in 1950. Following graduation, he worked as a Longshoreman from 1950- 1952.

James enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 18, 1952, and his overseas travels included Japan, Philippines, North Africa, Morocco and Vietnam. He came to Chanute Air Force Base in September 1963 and was listed in the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1966. He also received the Airman of the Month award in 1964, and the Instructor of the Year award in 1968.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois in 1968. He also received a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois in 1970. He retired from the United States Air Force in April of 1973.

James was hired by Champaign County Unit School District # 4 in 1973. He taught at Washington Elementary School from 1973 to 1977 and at Edison Middle School from 1977 to 1993. He received the Bahai Faith Race Relations award in 1990-1991. He was also a member of the Champaign County Mental Health Board from 1974 to 1977, and a member of the Champaign County Sheriff's Merit Commission from 1990 to 2002.

In 2000, Mr. Hayes received the Dr. Martin Luther King Outstanding Achievement Award from the City of Urbana. He has also served as an Urbana City Council Alderman. He is a member of the following organizations: the Chorale, the Martin Luther King Choir, the Douglas Community Center/Senior Citizens, and Bethel A.M.E. Church in Champaign, Illinois.

He is the father of three sons, Larry, David and Derrick.