Jimmie M. Bays

Jimmie “Jim” M. Bays, 87, loving husband of Ann L. Bays for 63 years, left his earthly home on Wednesday May 8, 2024.  He was a native of Knox County, Kentucky, born Dec. 27, 1936, to the late Alry and Maxie Virginia Baker Bays.  Jim was one of their 5 children and is preceded in death by his brother Jack, and sisters Betty Ayres, Pat Eggers, and Lou Ann Bowen.  He is also preceded in death by his loving daughter Pamela Downing on April 21, 2024. Jim was a US Air Force Veteran.  After serving four years, he returned home to begin his banking career at Union Nation Bank in Barbourville, after which he moved his family to Nicholasville in 1978, to begin employment at Farmers Bank.  Upon his retirement he began working for Clay Corman Excavating in their office.  Jim had many hobbies such as trap shooting, hiking, golfing, bicycling, hunting and fishing. He loved sports, although he never played, but declared himself the Sports Observer and watched UK football and basketball.  His favorite pastime was having lunch with his buddies.  In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by a son-in-law Todd Downing and grandson Chasen, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Bill Burch, as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.  A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 PM on May 16, at Hager and Cundiff Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at Camp Nelson National Cemetery with Military Honors following the service.  The family will greet friends beginning at 12:00 Noon until time of service.   “Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand-God is taking care of me… I’m in the Shelter of His hands.”  Cremation was chosen by Jim’s family in accordance with his wishes.  Hager & Cundiff is privileged to care for the Bays family.