James L. "Sonny" Bays, age 81, of Dowling Park, FL. passed away on November 1, 2020 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.

James was born on November 3, 1938  in Harlan County, Kentucky to the late John and Ruby Cummins Bays. He lived in Corbin, Kentucky where he made his living as a self employed painter before retiring to Florida to be near his daughter Donna. James was a faithful follower of his beloved Cincinnati Reds baseball and Kentucky Wildcats basketball teams. He enjoyed fishing, playing card games and his junk food. James made his home for the last several years at Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, FL. and always had candy bars for all the nurses making him one popular guy. James was a "people person" and enjoyed the time he was granted to visit with friends and most especially his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He served his country in the United States Army. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brothers, Willard "Jr." Cummings, Jack Bays and Don Bays.

Survivors include his only daughter, Donna Thomas and her husband Chris of Blackshear, GA.; one brother, Robert Bays of Kentucky; two sisters, Maryann Williams of Tennessee and Jean Bryant of Ohio; five grandchildren, Matthew Merinsky, Karra Dunn, Christopher Thomas, Jr., Courtney Wright and Jackie Allen; and five great grandchildren, Danielle Thomas, Logan Hall, Donavan Hall, Carlee Thomas and Kayson Thomas.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the Pentecostal Deliverance Center at 1394 McCall Street, Jennings, FL. 32053 with Pastor Edgar Wood officiating. A meal will follow the service at the church for friends and family.

Per his wishes, James will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to a charitable foundation of your choice.