John R. Hayes

John passed away peacefully, under hospice care, with his family at his side on March 3, 2024 at age 82. John valiantly fought a battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Rebecca Dawson (Scott), son James Hayes (Bethe), and grandchildren Ava and Harrison. John was a standout student and athlete in school. He excelled at baseball and hockey, and loved all sports. In his later years, good friends introduced him to golf, beginning a lifelong passion. John was the first in his family to go to college. He came from very humble beginnings and put himself through undergraduate at Eastern Michigan University, as well as law school, earning his J.D. from Detroit College of Law in 1969. He earned tuition money by working nights at the Dearborn Police Department, making many life long friends along the way. He also joined the Air National Guard Reserve to earn tuition money, and was called to duty in July, 1967 during the Detroit riots. John met Karen, the love of his life, in 1965, and they married in July 1969. Karen was a devoted wife, caring for John until the end. After serving in The Guard, John knew that he never wanted to answer to anyone or have a boss. Soon after graduation he began his own law practice. Several years later, his wife Karen became his legal secretary, teaching herself the ins and outs of running the business side of a legal practice. John was a pillar in the community, often doing pro bono work for friends and their friends. After a long, successful career, John retired in 2000 and he and Karen closed the practice. John will be greatly missed. His sense of humor and prankster nature kept everyone laughing and sometimes scratching their heads. He loved country music, stand up comedy, magic shows, horse racing and weekend football games, mostly watched from the comfort of his easy chair. We will miss his protective nature, heed his cautious advice and promise to never eat expired food. We hope he is comfortable and watching now, wherever he is. Gathering of Family and Friends Friday, March 8th 2-6 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd., W., Plymouth, MI 48170. Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes (JDRF) Foundation, 24359 Northwestern Hwy #125, Southfield, MI 48075, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan, 2660 Horizon Drive SE, Suite 235, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

John R. Hayes

June 12, 1941 - March 3, 2024