Remembering Jay Hayes: A Memorial for Court 3

Hello, my name is Cassie Burbine and I’m a family friend and past tennis instructor of Jay Hayes. I’m hoping to raise funds to create a memorial at the Londonderry tennis courts in his honor. For those who may not have known Jay, I’ve included a brief summary about him below, as well as the details of the planned memorial.

James Anthony “Jay” Hayes IV, 22, tragically passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Jay could attest to the fact that he was an amazing person with a smile that never left his face. His sudden loss has shaken the Londonderry and RPI communities, as well as all his family and friends, to the core. To know Jay was to love him.

Jay was a lifelong Londonderry resident and a 2020 graduate of Londonderry High School. During his time there, he was the Captain of the 2020 LHS Men’s Tennis Team and a proud member of the 2019 NH Division 1 State Champion Football Team.

During his time at RPI- Jay, as he was known to his fraternity brothers, friends and classmates, was a senior in the Biomedical Engineering Program, and he was a student in the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship MBA program. He was named to the Dean’s List throughout his freshman year, he was also selected as an I-PERSIST Chemistry Mentor for new freshman. Jay was a recipient of the RPI Leadership Scholarship, and spent a semester as an undergraduate research assistant in the lab of Richard Gross, Ph.D. As part of his senior Capstone project, Jay collaborated with Jason Heckman, MD, a surgeon specializing in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, to develop an improved suture needle insertion and removal device for robotic-assisted surgeries. Outside of academic and professional endeavors, Jay was very involved in campus life and his community. Jay loved his fraternity brothers Pi Lambda Phi, where he was VP of Communications. He also wanted to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs. Earlier this year he began working as a client liaison manager for the Center for Disability Services in hometown in New Hampshire, where he also served as a volunteer basketball coach for Special Olympics.

Jay's Tennis Legacy and Memorial Plans:

Jay’s love for tennis began at a young age, learning to play on Court 3 at the Londonderry town tennis courts, during his first summer tennis camp. He quickly gained a reputation for his energy and enthusiasm, winning the “tennis screaming contest” and earning the title of “camper of the year” during his first summer at tennis camp. Along with his charisma came outstanding tennis skills, especially for someone so young. He was a natural. Over the years, Jay continued to play at these courts, eventually becoming a varsity tennis player, with Court 3 serving as his home singles court. His high school coach affectionately dubbed him “Jay ‘the backboard’ Hayes” due to his remarkable speed and ability to return almost every ball that came his way.

In recognition of Jay’s impact on the community and his love for tennis, we are working to build a memorial at the Londonderry tennis courts. The memorial will feature a personalized bench overlooking “Jay’s court” (Court 3), complete with a plaque that includes a quote chosen by his family. Additionally, a backboard will be placed at the rear of Court 3, accompanied by another plaque featuring a sentiment and photo of Jay. Any additional funds raised will be donated to a charity selected by the Hayes family.

Jay will always be in our hearts, and is missed beyond measure. This memorial aims to create a place where Jay’s family, friends, and the community can come together to play tennis, share memories, and celebrate the life of a young man who touched so many lives with his brilliance, kindness, smile, and spirit. We love you, Jay.