Installation of this year’s addition to the Wall of Witnesses in Soumas Court will take place Thursday, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. in a program presented by Hometown Heritage and the Perry Historic Preservation Commission.
Recognized and remembered will be honoree James Richard (Jim) Haas, with a bas relief of his likeness unveiled by Newton sculptor Rick Stewart.
Haas was born Jan. 10, 1922, in Perry and died in Perry on Nov. 11, 2017.
He was an avid sportsman at Perry High School, where he played football and basketball, graduating in 1940. His education at the University of Iowa was interrupted after one year, when he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a bombardier, serving from 1942 to 1945.
Jim flew 36 missions over Europe and received the Purple Heart after being critically wounded.
Jim’s 40 years as senior vice president and trust officer at the Perry State Bank prompted many organizations to request his service as their treasurer, including the Salvation Army, Perry Library Foundation and the Perry School Board.
He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Perry Jaycees and Perry Golf and Country Club and was an Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge. He was honored with the Kiwanis Businessman of the Year Award and the Perry Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.
Jim was an elder, trustee and chairman of the board of the First Christian Church. He was married to the late Diana Foster, and their children are Nancy and Marty.
The Wall of Witnesses plaques are made possible through the generous support of the Hometown Heritage, Dallas County Foundation, Perry Historic Preservation Commission and Perry Chamber of Commerce.
