James Edward Haas Jr.

  James Edward Haas, Jr. passed away on Dec. 20 at 89 years of age.  Born in West Orange, NJ, he was the son of James E. Haas and Mildred M. Koch.

  Jim was a graduate of The Pingry School and Lehigh University where he was a member of Sigma Phi.  He worked in his father’s fuel oil business until his move to Haverford, Pa in 1967 when he joined the Penske operation. In 1972 he relocated to Rhode Island ultimately owning his own business, #1 Tire.

  Jim met the love of his life, Joan (Colgan), in Beach Haven.  They married in 1969 and shared 55 glorious years together, sharing their love of family, cars and sailing.  He owned several vintage Porsches over the years as well as “Vahevala” and “Patriot”, yachts they both raced and cruised with Barrington Yacht Club particularly enjoying the islands and the coast of Maine.  

  He loved his banjos and played with groups both in Beach Haven and later in RI and Mass entertaining many in Nursing Homes and other venues.  Jim was also a longtime volunteer at Tap-In.  He enjoyed attending Barrington United Methodist Church and the many friends he made there.

  He was beloved by everyone who knew him, but mostly by his adoring family:  daughters, Anne (Edward Agura), and Margaret (William French) and sons, James E. III (Larissa) and Jason (Alicia) as well as by the 12 grandchildren he was so immensely proud of:  Kristen Knight, Ashley Kitchens, Josselyn Gaffney, Kyrylo, Nikita & Enoch Haas, Will & Brad French, Cassandra, Caitlin, Gunner & Slade Haas and Monroe DuPuis.  There are also 6 precious great-grandchildren to carry on his legacy.  He dearly loved his in-laws, John Colgan (Linda) and Gail Van Buuren and their families.

  His wonderful life will be celebrated at a future date.  Donations to Barrington Tap-In, Inc. would be greatly appreciated.