Jacob Raymond Hayes, 28, died peacefully in the arms of his parents, surrounded by family on December 30, 2020.  He was born March 10, 1992 at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas to Carol M. (Connell) Hayes and James P. Hayes.

Jacob graduated from Leavenworth High School in 2010 and received his Bachelor's degree in 2014 from the University of Saint Mary (USM); Jacob was close to finishing his Master's degree at the time of his second cancer diagnosis in 2019.  After working as a graduate assistant, he received a full-time position as a Student Success Coach at the Keleher Learning Commons at USM.  He loved his job and his USM family.

Jacob was a beautiful, wonderful, person who cared deeply about others with humor, empathy, compassion, rare insight, and acceptance.  Jacob's truest essence was best realized when recently asked by his Palliative Care doctor, "What is most important to you?"  Jacob replied, "helping others."  Let this be our inspiration.

Jacob was preceded in death by his sister, Jill Marie Hayes Brown, his grandparents David and Lucille (Schumaker) Connell, Raymond and Jean (Eble) Hayes, uncle Kevin Connell, and aunt Joanie (Hayes) Wright.  He is survived by his parents, his brother-in-law Aaron Brown, niece Katherine Brown, nephew Keegan Brown, and great-niece Isla Jane Brown.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

For the safety and health of all of Jacob's family and friends, we will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Keleher Learning Commons, University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Burial will be held at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel.