James Edward Haas

James E. (Jim) Haas died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving wife Helen and children on November 13, 2015. A resident of Boca Grande, Florida Jim had a summer home in Jamestown, Rhode Island for over 40 years. Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 17, 1936 to Walter J. and Mildred Kihm Haas. He was a graduate of Kent State University and later Harvard Business School. After successfully building a leading steel service division for National Steel, he was asked to serve as President and COO of the parent company during one of the most difficult periods for the steel industry. Jim relied on a practical approach to turning around the business combined with creative problem solving. He orchestrated the largest employee buyout (ESOP) of Weirton Steel to help save a steel mill community in West Virginia. He also led the negotiations to sell 50% of National Steel to NKK of Japan, allowing much needed modernization of the company. He retired from National in 1989 and spent the next fifteen years in management and board roles for several private equity owned businesses. Jim generously gave his time to many civic and charitable organizations including the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, The Boy Scouts of America, The Boys and Girls Club of Newport, and Family House. He enjoyed sailing and golf and was an active member at the New York Yacht Club, the Gasparilla Golf Club, and the Newport Country Club, where he recently served as President of the Preservation Committee. He was a communicant at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Boca Grande and at St. Mark Church in Jamestown. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Helen, his daughters Mary Kay (Gregory) Klochkoff and Nancy (Scott) Killian, and his sons James (Bailey) Haas and Daniel (Cheri) Haas. He took great pride in his fifteen loving grandchildren and cherished his time with them. He is survived by his sister Marjorie Esborn, and brothers Walter, Robert, William and Jack. A wake will be held on Friday, November 20 from 3PM to 7PM at Hambly Funeral Home, located at 30 Red Cross Ave. Newport R.I. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 11AM at St Mark Church, located at 60 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02817 or the Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department. Visitation NOV 20. 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM Hambly Funeral;Home 30 Red Cross Avenue Newport, RI, US Service NOV 21. 11:00 AM St. Mark Church 60 Narragansett Avenue Jamestown, RI, US