In March 1998, Jim Hays was selected as the Superintendent of the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield, Kansas. He officially assumed his duties on June 14, 1998, upon final closure of the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center. Mr. Hays was born in Long Beach, California. He graduated from Anaheim High School in 1962. After graduation, he enrolled in Fullerton Junior College, majoring in history. In December 1964 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After graduation from Boot Camp, he was sent to South Viet Nam for one year (July 1965 to July 1966), serving with the Third Marine Division at Da Nang and Chu Lai. After his tour of duty in Viet Nam, he was assigned to the Fifth Marine Division (G-1) at Camp Pendleton, California, for approximately one year. Mr. Hays then served at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to the Officers Promotion Branch. Upon his discharge in December 1968, he returned to Fullerton Junior College to pursue his Associate of Arts Degree in History. Mr. Hays then attended California State University at Fullerton and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. On June 5, 1979, he received his Master of Public Administration Degree from California State University at Fullerton with an emphasis on Public Finance Administration.
While working as the Orange County Veteran Service Officer in Santa Ana, California, Mr. Hays met his wife, Gene. The former Gene Anne Kelley worked at the Orange Coast Junior College as the Veterans Recruitment Director. Mrs. Hays is also a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force as a Behavioral Scientist in the Officer Corps.
In 1979 the Hays family moved to Cowley County. Highlights of Mr. Hays’ career in Kansas include employment at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center as a Unit Director, Personnel Director and Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Hays served as Superintendent during the transition of the facility from state hospital to the veterans home. Mrs. Hays is a School Psychologist for the Cowley County Special Education Cooperative. Son Loron is an instructor at Southwestern College and graduate student at Wichita State University. Daughter Alyssa is a student at Winfield High School.
Mr. Hays is a member of American Legion Post 10, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3544, and the Disabled American Veterans. Mrs. Hays is a member of American Legion Post 10.