James (Jim) Leroy Haist
James (Jim) Leroy Haist, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Morningstar Care Homes of Baldwin City, KS. He was 90 years of age. Born on November 22, 1933, in Concordia, Kansas to Frank and Delina (Alexander) Haist, Jim was a 1952 graduate of Concordia High School. He served in the US Air Force from 1953 until he was honorably discharged in 1957, with the rank of Staff Sergeant in Radar and Flight Technology.
On November 30, 1957, Jim married JoAnn L. Gieber in Concordia, Kansas at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. They were married for 66 years and to this union, 8 children were born: Debra, Daniel, Michael, Mark, Teri, Thomas, Rodney, and Rita. Jim was a longstanding member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, the Moose, Knights of Columbus Council #1142, American Legion, and the Elks as Past Exalted Ruler from 1975-1976. Jim worked for Boogaarts / Scrivner for a total of 47 years, initially starting as a meat cutter in the grocery store and retiring as the Human Resource Manager in Concordia’s home office. In addition to his professional career, he co-founded C & H Enterprises with it’s main focus in fireworks. He enjoyed this passion for over 40 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to the Elks on Saturday nights, spending time at Lovewell Lake, as well as fishing, playing cards, and gambling. For his 90th birthday, he was able to take his last trip to the casino in celebration.
Jim is survived by his wife, JoAnn, of the home; Debra (Ronald) Lawrenz, Lawrence, KS; Daniel Haist, Concordia, KS; Michael (Heloisa) Haist, Wichita, KS; Mark (Teri) Haist, Stockton, MO; Teri (Bradley) Simpson, Canyon, TX; Thomas (DeAnn) Haist, Alva, FL; Rodney (Diane) Haist, Shawnee, KS, and Rita (Rick) Limon, Hutchinson, KS. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by both his parents, Frank and Delina Haist; his sister, Alberta Graham Cyr; his brother, Francis Haist, and his infant brother, Robert Haist, a nephew David Haist.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 pm on Friday, January 5th, 2024, with a parish rosary/vigil service being held at 6 pm on Friday evening all at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia, Led by Fr. Joseph Kieffer. Family will receive friends after the rosary/vigil service.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia, Kansas, with Fr. Joseph Kieffer officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Concordia Catholic Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas. Military honors will be provided by the local American Legion Post #76 and VFW Post #588, Concordia, and the US Air Force.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be left to the St. Concordia Catholic Cemetery Fund or the City Fireworks Display, Concordia, KS. Condolences may be left online at www.chaputbuoy.com. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia in charge of arrangements.