Jimmy Laverne Mayes was born on March 6, 1949, in Columbia, Louisiana, to the union of Herman Maloy Mayes and Audie L. Roberts Mayes. He passed from this life on May 9, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer, at his treasured farm in Grayson. He was surrounded by the woods he loved and his family’s land, a place where generations remain together.

Jimmy was known for his super huge heart, his even greater love of life and family, and his unwavering faithfulness. He was the kind of man you could always count on to show up whenever he was needed. Putting others first came naturally to him. His family was always the center of his world. His love and devotion never wavered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Red & Audie Mayes; his sisters, Julia Vanlangendonck and Vivian Foster; and his youngest brother, Roy Mayes.

Left to cherish a lifetime of precious memories are his beloved wife, Michele Brown Mayes; his daughter, Melinda Goudeau (Rick); his son, Wesley Mayes (Skye); Beth Cobb Matlock (Paul), Christopher Brown (Jenny Lynn), Jeffrey Brown. And his brothers, John Mayes and Gary Mayes; his sister, Aline Norwood; and his treasured grandchildren, Matthew Goudeau, Abigail Goudeau, William Goudeau, Delilah Mayes, Danny Mayes, Xavier Matlock, Logan Matlock, Analynn Ray Brown.

Jimmy was a member of Springhill Baptist Church and lived his life grounded in faith, love, and service to others.

A memorial service celebrating Jimmy’s life will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Springhill Baptist Church, with Pastor Rick Goudeau officiating. Interment will follow at the Roberts’s Family Cemetery near to Spring Hill Baptist church in Grayson. Pallbearers are Wes Mayes, Gary Mayes, Everett Ramsey, Ricky Roberts, Kenneth Dunn, Roger LeGros.

The Mayes family will receive friends and loved ones beginning at 1:30 PM, prior to the Celebration of Life service. In honor of Jimmy, guests are invited to dress comfortably for the summer weather. His favorite colors were yellow and red, and his favorite blue jeans. Guests are warmly encouraged to dress in those colors & jeans in remembrance of him.