James Evans Hayes, 56, known as Jim, passed away suddenly with his family and friends by his side, on Monday, February 17, 2025. Jim was born in Lynchburg, Va. to Sally Evans Hayes and James Wayne Hayes on May 6, 1968. Raised in Manassas, Va., Jim first met Lisa (Baggan) Hayes, the love of his life, at the Little Elves preschool when they were both four years old. They began dating after college and were married on the Disney Cruise Line in September 2004. Jim spent most of his adult life as a resident of Rodanthe, N.C., traveling between the homes he and Lisa shared in North Carolina and Virginia.
Jim graduated from Stonewall High School in Manassas, Va., in 1986, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Richmond in 1990 and a Master of Computer Science from George Mason University in 1993. These academic accomplishments, combined with his meticulous and uncompromising attention to detail, laid the groundwork for a distinguished career as a computer scientist and entrepreneur.
Jim was a true polymath whose wide-ranging expertise influenced everything he pursued. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he co-owned Spotlight Dance in Manassas, founded a successful government contracting firm, and provided information technology, audio, and media services to local businesses and residents throughout Northern Virginia. Jim was also an active member of the Hatteras Island Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), always ready to lend a hand during emergencies.
Known for his unwavering generosity, unfiltered one-liners, and strong family bonds, Jim loved the beach and was forever chasing the next big wave to surf. He enjoyed woodworking, skateboarding, pinball restoration, architectural home design, tinkering with Legos, and offering computer support to friends. He derived immense satisfaction from caring for others, offering loving support to his grandfather Marvin, his mother Sally, and countless family members and friends. Jim was always there when needed. Capable of fixing just about anything, he never hesitated to put his own plans aside when someone needed a helping hand.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Sally Evans Hayes. He is survived by his father, James W. Hayes; his wife of 20 years, Lisa Baggan Hayes; his brother, William Scott Hayes (Molly), and their children, Maggie and Sam; his sister-in-law, Michelle Baggan Titanish (Scott), and their children, Brody James and Zoe; and his brother, David Wayne Hayes (Becky), and their children, Lizzie and Jack. Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, and many “brothers” who were like family.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, Va. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Surfing for Autism, where Jim volunteered over the years.
Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He lived such an extraordinary life, filled with so many unique experiences, that no one person could possibly know the depths and breadth of the impact he had on this world.
In hopes of gaining a small glimpse into Jim’s life from others, we ask that you please feel free to share stories with his family and friends to help keep those memories alive.
