James Earle Haas, 56, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 15, 2026, at Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo. Jim fought cancer with the heart of a warrior for six years, sustained by the love he shared with family and friends, and his determination to have more time with them. His wife, Kathleen “Kate,” was by his side, caring for him with unwavering love and devotion. Jim was born to Joan and Gerald Haas. After losing his mother at an early age, Jim and his sister, Linda, were adopted and lovingly raised by their paternal aunt and uncle, Evelyn and Robert Haas.

He grew up helping on the family dairy farm, where he developed the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life. He attended Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin. Family was central to Jim’s life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his generosity, adventurous spirit, and willingness to help others. He loved soccer and fishing from childhood and spent countless hours on the water. Annual fishing trips to Gates Au Sable Lodge with family and friends became a treasured tradition. Jim loved spending time with family, the friends he made through poker and work, and his many dogs over the years.

Jim welcomed Trevor in 1993 and embraced Kate’s children, Nick and Jacob, as his own when they married on March 3, 1999. Together, they built a family of five. He was delighted to welcome his daughters-in-law, Shelby and Samantha, and becoming a grandfather to Reggie brought him immense joy. Jim built a successful career in commercial construction, advancing from field work to managing multimillion-dollar projects. He took pride in his final role as a project manager for Dri-Design and valued the lasting friendships he formed with colleagues. Jim had a quiet faith but honored the second greatest commandment by loving others well. His family and friends will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kate; his sons, Trevor (Shelby) Haas, Nick Smith and Jacob (Samantha) Smith; his beloved grandson, Reggie; and his siblings: Linda Haas, LuAnne (Joe) Everitt, Lisa (Kurt) Tribbett, Brian Haas, Mike (Chris) Beaudoin, Steve Beaudoin, Kathy (Dave) Alberding, Beth McNulty, Diane (Kevin) Fitzgerald, Gerald Lee (Kristy) Haas, Suzan (Peter) Brock, David (Ellen) Haas, Jeannie (Tony) Dickey, Paul (Carol) Haas, Thomas Haas and Patricia Hadley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Haas and Joan Root; his adoptive parents, Robert and Evelyn Haas; and his brother Steven Haas. Steven’s wife, Cyndi Haas, survives him.

Please join us for a Celebration of Jim’s Life Open House on Sunday, November 15 , 2026 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Scotts Community Center, 8450 South 36th Street, Scotts, MI 49088. The family kindly requests no flowers.