Comments on: Jamie Hayes 1951-2019, R.I.P.

By: Jamie Hayes

Jamie Hayes — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:49:05 +0000

Thank you for taking the time to write, I love that story. When we lived in Princeton our son Julian had just turned 2, he is now almost 25. I am so glad you still have the book.

By: Ann Flatt

Ann Flatt — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:37:54 +0000

My reply is indeed very outdated. I recently moved from Princeton, MA, where Jamie lived on the same street. He was always ready for a friendly and enthusiastic chat and took an interest in my family – kids and grandkids. In 1997 he learned that my husband and I were traveling to Mali to visit our son who was a Peace Corps volunteer there. Jamie brought us a bag of small colorful toys he had collected to give to the local children. Not having anything to play with other than homemade toys, Jamies’s gifts were a very welcome treat. I wouldn’t be surprised if those toys are still being shared with other children in the small village of 300 inhabitants.
When his wonderful book, The Legendary Adventures of the Flying Mingling Brothers was published he generously brought us an autographed copy. After that we traveled to Switzerland for a sabbatical year and he had moved when we returned. I lost contact after that. The reason I am writing now is that I just came across his wonderful book in my bookcase. It will be just perfect to share with my young twin grandchildren. And so, his legacy lives on as his whimsical work will continue to bring joy to yet another generation. His talent and imagination are unmatched and his kindness and generous spirit remain. We will certainly keep these memories in our hearts.

By: Stephen Cilella

Stephen Cilella — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 15:28:03 +0000

I am shocked. I didn’t find out until today. I have a couple of his works the most recent was a valentine day gift to my wife which she hung in the entrance way to the family room. Another pic hangs in my office. I will miss him and his whimsical art. My deepest condolences.

By: Rochelle yuga

Rochelle yuga — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 14:31:45 +0000

Just now found that Jamie has left this earthly life in June when we passed the spot of his former shop and I was devastated. Makes me sad knowing he no longer walks this earth creating his joyous art and loving his life. I would visit him at the store a few times each year on my visits to NOLA. We had conversations about all of his glasses and he brought a big bunch of them in to show me. I appreciated his love of cool eyewear as I am a bit of a fanatic as well. REST IN PEACE my friend knowing the joy you brought others through your art and music will live on and on! Rochelle Yuga Houston, TX

By: Clarice Coker

Clarice Coker — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:49:18 +0000

In reply to Janice at Muriel's. So very sorry to hear of Jamie's passing. What a unique character he was. We came to NOLA every year in May and the shop was always my first stop. We were not able to come this year because of illness and that seems doubly sad that we missed our last chance.

By: James Fontaine

James Fontaine — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:29:03 +0000

Sad to hear of Jamie’s passing. I was in town last week and stopped by the store and to my surprise it was not there. I am an avid collector of his art and will continue to collect all I can.
He will be missed.

By: Jim and Lynn

Jim and Lynn — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 14:28:20 +0000

I just received the news of Jaime’s passing from a co-worker who had spent the weekend past in New Orleans. My family got to spend an appreciable amount of time with him on our last visit to New Orleans in November. As usual, he was full of life and stories, and shared with us a very old and unique piece of work from his collection. Thanks for the memories, the stories, the conversation, and of course, that art.

By: Shona Trumbly

Shona Trumbly — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 17:43:27 +0000

My sympathies are with you. I met Jamie numerous years ago while at a Conference and purchased 6 of his kitties prints.My husband and I were in New Orleans in March and tried to find his gallery without success–I had forgotten his name. We probably were very close to the gallery, but it wasn’t to be Although for many years, I had not hung the prints, I finally did after we returned to the West Coast. I took a picture of them, and was going to email it to him. Unfortunately, my husband saw on gmail that Jamie had passed away. I was saddened by that news.To be so close to see him again and then knowing I never would again. Your loss must be so devastating. It seems a new chapter of his life was unfolding, and then the final chapter was written. It just seems so ironic and wrong that he is no longer able to be sharing his talent with his fans. Again, my sympathies are with you all.

By: Marion

Marion — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 01:39:42 +0000

I am so sorry for your loss.. thankful to have my Nola Mae print and one of your books! Love the whimsy! MJ

By: J. Riesau

J. Riesau — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 13:26:15 +0000

I am so sorry to read this. I spent a lot of time in New Orleans in the past working for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, and still travel there often to visit. I met Jamie Hayes on my first visit to Nola in 1997 and have met him several times since. A visit to the gallery and shop were always a highlight of any visit and I have many little reminders around my home and office. Always bright and cheerful; always bringing a smile. Jamie and his wonderful gallery and shop will be sorely missed.