
Jim Haas of Perry celebrated his 95th birthday Tuesday over rolls and coffee at the Perry Perk coffeehouse.
Haas, a hero of World War II, was congratulated by his friends in the Society of Retired Educators (SORE) as he sat at the head of four generations of Haases, including his son, Martin, his grandson, Tim, and his great-grandson, Lennon, 5.
“I feel pretty good,” Haas said, “though I stayed up a little later than usual last night, watching Clemson beat Alabama” He called it “one of the most exciting college football games I’ve seen.”
Haas said his plans for the evening are still firming up, but he hopes to spend some time cutting the rug with his friend and fellow Capricorn Wilma Collins of Perry, who turned 90 Jan. 8.

Happy birthday, Jim. It was great seeing you in May, and hopefully I will see you again the next time I am in Perry. I wish you all the best.