James R. Hauenschild

James R. “Jim” Hauenschild, age 74, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at his home surrounded by family in Mascoutah, IL.

On February 21, 1952, in Cape Girardeau, MO he was born to the late August and Hilda Lange Hauenschild.

After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 6, 1970. He proudly served his country for twenty-four years before retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.

During his military career Jim was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Conduct Medal with additional clusters.

He also was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Air Force longevity service award. He earned ribbons for Air Force overseas short tour and long tour, NCO Professional Military Education Graduation. small arms expert marksmanship and Air Force training.

Jim also served from August 2, 1990, to August 31, 1994, in support of Operation Desert Storm shield.

Following his retirement, Jim dedicated the rest of his time to the Lions Club after becoming a Lion in 1994.

He was active in its charitable programs and served in many capacities including Children Low Vision Ad-Hoc Committee Chairman, Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee Jim’s club earned the 100th Centennial Service patch with four jewels. .

He was awarded the International President’s Award(third highest international award given for service), elected District Governor three times, was a Melvin Jones recipient Foundation Fellow with the Illinois Lions Foundation and was awarded Lion of the Year.

Jim furthered his education even more by earning a bachelor’s degree in occupational education from Wayland Baptist University and an Associates of Arts in Electrical Power Technology, and an associate of arts as an instructor of Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He had also received automotive certifications from City Colleges of Chicago.

Jim was also a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW.

Throughout the years, Jim enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies, including woodworking, crafts, gardening, making clocks, doing leather work, a farrier in his younger years and engine rebuilds. He even had a small side business as a certified professional locksmith.

He leaves behind his daughter, Veronica Hauenschild (Wade Obrigewitch); brother, Wayne Hauenschild; and two sisters: Rhonda Cole and Jane Salvatore. Close family: Jimmy Jones, Kenny Hauenschild, Anthony Laycock, Teresa Rudroff, Charlie Hauenschild, Tina Hauenschild(Brandon, Kyle, Mya and Brianna), Jonathan Barbosa, Joseph Barbosa.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Lah, sibling Baby Hauenschild.

Graveside services will be held for Jim on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, MO at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Joe Arthur of Christ the King Lutheran in Natchitoches, LA officiating under the direction of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, MO.

A gathering to honor Jim will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Wings Etc. banquet room in Jackson, MO. Family and friends are encouraged to come and celebrate his life and share stories. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

The family would like to give heart-felt thanks to the caretakers and medical staff with Hospice of Southern Illinois for all the care that was shown to Jim.

Online condolences can be shared with the Hauenschild family at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.