“James “Jim” Hass, 81, of Chetek, WI, passed away peacefully with his
daughters by his side, on July 31. Jim was born on August 13, 1942,
in Eau Claire, WI to Albert and Eleanor (Berg) Hass.
Jim proudly entered the United States Army at the age of 16 and served for
over 36 years, including two deployments in Vietnam. Jim was a highly
decorated Sergeant First Class and received the Bronze Star Medal for
Valor and two Purple Hearts for his service in the Vietnam War. Jim was
honorably discharged in 1994. In 2018, Jim received the Honorable Order of
Saint Barbara Award. Jim was a military man through and through, and
serving his Country was undoubtedly his greatest achievement and proudest
honor.
Following his time in the Army, Jim lived in Florida where he owned and
operated a successful landscaping business for several years. He thrived
in hot weather, so it was no surprise when he later moved to a small hobby
ranch in New Mexico where he raised horses and worked at Kirkland Airforce
Base as a dispatcher.
Later in life, Jim moved back to Wisconsin where he enjoyed anything that
allowed him to be outdoors, including hunting, fishing, camping, and
four-wheeling. He was happy to be closer to his daughters, grandchildren,
and great-grandchildren. Jim lived for time spent with fellow Service
Members and always looked forward to catching up with them. As a true
Wisconsinite, Jim was a passionate fan of the Green Bay Packers.
Jim is survived by his two daughters, Tammy (Timothy) Koger and Kathy
(William) Caron; 6 grandchildren, Shane (Kristin) Koger, Brittny (Bryan)
Olson, Alyson Hass, Heather (Quinn) Hrdlicka, Tucker (Beccie) Caron,
Olivia Caron, and Wesley Caron; and 9 great-grandchildren, JaZirah,
Caydence, Ryder, Joseph, DaVorah, Madeline, MaLaylah, Xander, and Beckett.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Eleanor Hass; a
brother and sister-in-law, Laverne and Carol Hass.
Jim’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Austin, Lisa, John, and Mary,
of Northern Neighbors In-Home Care Services for their kind and patient
care of Dad.
A service with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday,
Sept. 27, at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery
in Spooner, WI.