of Allegan, died Friday, April 20, 2012, in Cheshire Twp. Jud was born November 27, 1965, in Kalamazoo, the son of James Judson and Carolyn D. (McNutt) Hays. He graduated from Allegan High School in 1984, and from Western Michigan University, with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. He had worked at Caron Precision Grinding, and Plastic Engineered Components, both in Kalamazoo, for several years. Surviving are his mother, Carolyn, a very special friend, cousin and caregiver, Brian Bender, Jud's girlfriend and caregiver, Myrna Overhiser and her daughter Crystal of Grand Junction, cousins; Paul and Jan Hays of Allegan, Vicki and Joe Butcher of Grand Haven, his aunt, Charlene Bender, close friends, Oscar and Liz McKenzie, Bob and Linda Maccune, and Sophia Clark. He was preceded in death by his father, James Judson, uncle Marv and aunt Rachel Hays, and uncle Jim Bender. Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, April 24, from 6-8 pm at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 am. Pastor Barry Lucas from the First Congregational Church will officiate. Interment, Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan. Memorials may be made to the Wings of Hope Hospice.