James Otto Hahs, Jr

James Otto Hahs, Jr, age 89, of Jackson passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 at his home.

He was born September 8, 1925, in Sikeston, Missouri, son of James Otto and Lena Marie Smith Hahs. He and Anita June Calhoun were married June 21, 1959.

James graduated from Sikeston High School, and enlisted in the United States Army on February 11, 1944. He served during World War II in Germany, Austria, and France in the 354 Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, and was honorably discharged May 21, 1946. He worked for the former Hahs Machine Works in Sikeston, which he and a brother, William Hahs, co-owned. He then worked as a master machinist for Associated Electric Cooperative in New Madrid, retiring in 1991.

James and Anita were long-time members of First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, and have been members of New McKendree United Methodist Church since their move to Jackson in 2006. He served as captain of the Auxiliary Police Department of Sikeston; taught Red Cross first aid classes, was an avid genealogist, and a wonderful story teller. He enjoyed darkroom photography, writing stories of his childhood and war experiences, and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Loving survivors include his wife, Anita, of 56 years; three children, Janet (Doug) Sanders of Jackson; Patrick (Donna Gail) Hahs of Murray, Kentucky, and Ellen Hahs of Oran, Missouri; six grandchildren, Heather Sanders (Casey) Dodd, Tori Beth Hahs, Krista Sanders (Michael) Taylor, Natalie Hahs, Roger (Rebecca) Clements, and David Clements; six great-grandchildren; a step-great-grandchild; three brothers, William Hahs of Sikeston, Charles Hahs of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Tom Hahs of University City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lois Harvey and Lucille Smith.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral service will be Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Charles Buck officiating.

Interment will follow in Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to New McKendree United Methodist Church or donor's choice.