James Erwin Haas, Sr.

With great sadness we share the passing of James Erwin Haas.

Most of you know him as Jim, or as we knew him as grandpa and GGP. He passed peacefully in his sleep the morning of October 10, 2021.

James grew up in Orchard Park, NY where his interests lead him to excel at playing the trumpet and entertainment. In the stories he told us growing up he said he learned a lot about life while tending bar at a young age. Being around all types of characters he learned how to develop a talent for meeting people and how to enjoy the little things in life. He was lucky and met the love of his life Hattie Scheffer. Together they had two children Deborah and James Jr (Debbie and Jimmy) and moved to Colorado living in Denver, Conifer, Northglenn, and finally settling in Fort Collins. Our grandpa would always say - your grandmother and I looked everywhere to retire and this was the best place on earth.

Jim, having a variety of talents and skills, started out building titan rockets for Lockheed, however he found a passion for cameras and photography. Brooks Camera's was the business that allowed him to retire at 50 and travel to exotic places. For 10 years, Jim and Hattie traveled the country in a motorhome visiting family, friends, most of the national parks and campsites. Growing up we saw our grandparents as the ideal couple, always happy and always loving.

He was loved and respected by so many for his ability to make us laugh and enjoy life, enjoy each other's company, and most likely have a martini in the process. His passion for music, radio, photography, traveling, and his family, always shined through. He was a talented poker player and he and grandma would entertain big parties for family and friends and always ensured everyone was having a good time. He touched so many lives, inspiring everyone he met to live their best lives.

He endured to live through the passing of his wife, son, and daughter. As he was always full of life and wanting companionship he was lucky to find a few saints that were by his side for the last several years. Collen his longtime girlfriend and her daughter Robin were ever by grandpa's side giving him much needed love, companionship, and family to the end. His neighbors were always there to help him in times of need. Vickey, Kevin, Garett; thank you for the amazing people you are. Pam, Lynne, Christian (dad) think you have earned your wings, thank you for all your time and effort in support of Jim.

Please share a story or memory you have of Jim that may have impacted you or your life. We plan on sharing some of these stories at his service. A time you shared that made you laugh, cry or both.

Services will be held 11 am, Saturday October 23 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Interment will be held after the funeral service at Grandview Cemetery.