James O. Haas

James O. “Jim” Haas, age 85, of Potosi, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at his home in Potosi.   He was born on January 24, 1939, in Cassville, the son of Lawrence and Claribel (Schmelz) Haas.  James graduated valedictorian from St. Andrew High School in 1956.  On November 14, 1964, James was united in marriage to Mary A. Ehlen at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Potosi.  He farmed and drove truck for many families and companies.  In 1981, James was employed with Swiss Valley Farms Cooperative, retiring after twenty-one years.  He was a member of Ss. Andrew Thomas Parish.  James enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, gardening, and working on his hobby farm.  He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with his family. The highlight of his year was looking forward to the family trip up North. In retirement, James enjoyed hauling feed for Leibfried’s and spending time on the Schaefer farm.    

Survivors include his children: Joseph (Dawn) Haas; Beth (Kevin) Flesch; Thomas (Sonia) Haas; Amy (Tim) Bailie; 13 grandchildren:  Cody, Derek (Alicia Okey) Flesch, Ashley (Adam) Kruser, Cole (Maya Kramer) Haas, Courtney (Sean Dreessens) Haas, Nick Horner, Brittany (Nate Wieseler) Horner, Jamison Haas, Michael , Matt Scheffler, Marissa (Keith) Lax, Marie (Ryan) Peck, and Marcus (Savannah Prucha) Jordan; eleven great-grandchildren; his brothers-in-law:  Clarence Ehlen; Joe (Joan) Ehlen; Ray (Sue) Ehlen; George "Bud" Pemsl; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, his step-mother, Marie, and his wife, Mary, James was preceded in death by a son, Michael in 1990; brother, Joseph (Sharlene) Haas; sisters: Pat (Bill) Brindley, Sarah Pemsl, and Shirley Ehlen; one great-grandson, Devin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Mark Miller officiating.  Burial will be in St. Andrew Cemetery, Tennyson.  Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the services at the church.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Potosi is serving the family.