Memorials › James Dean Bays
James Dean Bays
6 Jul 1935 – 28 Sep 2015
| Birth | 6 Jul 1935 |
| Death | 28 Sep 2015 |
| Cemetery | Waco Memorial Park Robinson , McLennan County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | Jon Goddi (Guerra) on 10 Oct 2015 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/153132930 |
Bio
James Dean Bays, 80, of Waco, passed away September 28, 2015, following a courageous battle with post polycthemia vera myelofibrosis. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2015, at Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Robinson. Burial will be in Waco Memorial Park. James was born in Gorman, Texas, to the late James Andrew Bays, Jr. and Euna Ora Pressley Bays. Following completion of high school, James began working in machine shops where he honed his craft, first in Grand Prairie, then in Houston and ultimately landing in McGregor at the Rocketdyne facility. He rose through the ranks at Rocketdyne, from machinist to leadman, to supervisor, to CNC programmer and ultimately into management. Despite his success with Rocketdyne, James longed for more responsibility and took a job with Bell Helicopter in Tehran, Iran, back when Iran was an ally. He was literally on the last flight out of Tehran when the Iranian government crumbled. Upon his return to the United States, he took an assignment to open a machining facility for Smith International in Temple. Upon completion of that assignment, James took up home building, which let him have personal interaction with his customers and he truly enjoyed crafting homes and building a lasting legacy. James was an accomplished machinist in his first career, then moved into building homes, and created his legacy by expertly crafting countless homes throughout the greater Waco area. James preferred being outdoors and took great pride in his ability to catch the most fish in his fishing expeditions or to bag the most game while hunting with friends and family. James enjoyed gardening and was active in the Master Gardner program where he met lifelong friends. James fancied himself a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing food for gatherings of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Peggy Ann, who was tragically taken from him in an automobile accident on Valentine's Day 2008; and by his grandson, Douglas. Survivors include his daughters: Deborah Staas and husband, Kenny, Cheryl Breedlove and husb and, Johnny, and Gwen Kitchens and husband, Bill; sons: Randy Bays and wife, Kristin, Brian Bays, Gary Bays, Richard Keltner and Neva Fuentes, and David Keltner and wife, Karen; grandchildren: Kurtis, Aaron, Cory, Brandon, Alexander, Zachary, Nicholas, Scott, Ashley, Billy, Jamie, Kayla, Kylie, Adam, Brianna, Jonathon, Jareth, Seth, Chanse, Keeley, and Chynna; great-grandchildren, Leah and Wyatt; and 11 step-grandchildren; special friend, Pam; brother, Harold Bays and his spouse, Gwen; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. James is grateful for the care provided to him by his team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. James knew he could not beat myelofibrosis, but participated in being a part of numerous clinical trials so perhaps one day myelofibrosis could be beaten by those who came after him. Without James, the world is a little darker. Waco Tribune-Herald: 10/2/2015...D20
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