James ""Jim"" A. Hass

James A. ""Jim"" Hass, 76, beloved farm boy, Navy officer, business executive, and grandpa passed away in his sleep after a long illness at home on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in Denver, CO. Jim was born November 10, 1939 to Fred and Marjorie (Longman) Hass in Sac City, Iowa. On October 1, 1966 Jim married Kathleen B. Dunne in St. Louis, Montana. Survivors include his wife Kitty; 3 children, Patrick Hass, Sally and Dave Whitelock, and Joey and Christy Hass; 4 grandchildren Alec, CJ, Madeline, and Liam, all of Denver, CO; 2 sisters Peggy Niles of Sac City, IA, and Shirley Frickson of Hutchinson, MN; 1 brother Russell Hass of Sac City, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and 1 sister, Betty Eberhard of Burlington, IA. Jim loved his life in Sac City, driving the tractor faster than anyone, and then went on to seek further adventures. He left the farm at the age of 17 and a half and moved to Denver to attend the University of Denver. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting and immediately volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy. Jim completed Officers Candidate School and spent his Navy career as an officer on the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in the Westpac during the time of the cold war, Bay of Pigs, and Kennedy assassination. He subsequently completed a successful career as a business executive for American Express Company, serving in Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Salt Lake City, UT, making lasting friends along the way. The most gratifying aspect of his business career was mentoring and nurturing younger supervisors and managers. Jim retired in 1998, moved to Denver, and became a professional grandpa, caring for his two oldest grandchildren in their preschool years. A time of gathering will be held on Friday, May 6 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., followed by a vigil and a time for sharing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Horan and McConaty Family chapel at 5303 County Line Rd., Centennial, CO 80122. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am at Pax Christi Catholic Church, at 5761 McArthur Ranch Rd., Littleton, Colorado. Following the church service, a celebration of Jim's life will be held at The Ridge of Castle Pines, 1414 W Castle Pines Pkwy, Castle Pines, CO 80108. Jim's family would like to recognize Honor Hospice for their wonderful support during his last few days, as well as all of the beloved neighbors and friends who have been so supportive along the way. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St NE, 6th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30309.