James C. Hayes

James C. Hayes
Mayor of Fairbanks
In office
1992–2001
Preceded byWayne S. Nelson
Succeeded bySteve M. Thompson
Member of the Fairbanks City Council
In office
1987–1992
Personal details
BornMay 25, 1946
Sacramento, California, U.S.
DiedJune 9, 2022 (aged 76)
EducationB.A. University of Alaska

2001 James C. Hayes (May 25, 1946 – June 9, 2022) was an American politician who served as the mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska (1992-2001), the first African-American mayor in the state of Alaska.

In 2008, he received a federal felony conviction for diverting federal funds intended for a charity.

Biography

Hayes was born in Sacramento, California, the son of Juanita (née Metoyer)[1][2] and Caustella Hayes.[3] In 1955, his family moved to Fairbanks[1] and in 1965, he graduated from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks.[2] In 1970, he earned a B.A. in education with minors in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Alaska.[2]1.

Political career

Hayes served on the Fairbanks City Council from 1987 to 1992. He then served for three terms as mayor (1992-2001).[1]

Conviction

Hayes and his wife, Chris, were board members of a charitable group that provided services to "low income and disadvantaged youth" in Fairbanks. In 2008, they were both convicted of diverting funds for their personal use and of "money laundering for trying to conceal the diversion of funds." Hayes was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison.[4]

Personal life

In 1974, he married Chris Parham; they had two children, LaNene Hayes-Scott and James Hayes Jr.[1] He was a member of the Church of God in Christ.[1]

Hayes died on June 9, 2022, at the age of 76.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Johnson, Anne Janette. "Hayes, James C. 1946—". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "2003-2007 James Hayes". University of Alaska. October 8, 2015.
  3. ^ a b "James C. "Jim" Hayes 1946-2022". Daily News-Miner. June 14, 2022.
  4. ^ "News Release: Former Fairbanks Mayor and Wife Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy, Misapplication of Governement Grant Funds, Money Laundering, and Filing False Tax Returns" (PDF). Nelson P. Cohen, United States Attorney, District of Alaska. May 2, 2008.