| Graduation Year | Class of 1955 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 12, 2014 |
| About | James Haeft, 76, peacefully passed away in his residence on Thursday, February 13, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family and his devoted wife of 57 years. Jim was a 1955 graduate of Genoa Area High School. After he completed graduation, he went to work for a company call Burndy Corp. He then went to work at BP Oil Refinery, where he ultimately ended up retiring from in 1999. After retiring he worked construction with his two sons, Mike and Todd. On March 2, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Phyllis Helle; she survives him and will cherish their many memories. Jim enjoyed attending all his grandchildren's sporting events. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family all over the United States. After the children were grown, he took many trips to Las Vegas and traveled to Ireland twice and then to Scotland. Among his other travels was a trip to the Christmas Market in Germany. One of Jim's favorite passions was frequenting the casino. He loved to play the slots for sheer entertainment. He wasn't a "big spender," he just loved to play for the fun of it. On his last visit to Greektown Casino he won $45 in his first hour of being there and that was just with him betting only $0.09. Jim started the Cub Pack 342 in Williston, Ohio, back in the late 60's. He then proceeded on to be Scout Master when he took a group of scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Jim also leaves to cherish the good times with his children: Mike Haeft (special friend, Lori Elmer), Vicki (Jay) Vonck, Mark Haeft and Todd Haeft; grandchildren: Heather (Lee) Heckel, Mark Haeft, Cory Haeft, Kohl Vonck (significant other, Marissa Defalco), Kyle Vonck (significant other, Corrine Dazely), and Kenzie Vonck (significant other, Nick Berente). Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Jean Haeft, nephew, Ken Haeft, niece, Rhonda Rae Vogelpohl and nephew, Donnie Haeft. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Don and Larry. Our family would like to thank Dr. Shehade and all the nurses at the Dana Cancer Center. Their care for Jim was genuine and in return Jim truly was appreciative--he truly loved everyone on their staff. Family and friends may visit and share their memories on Sunday, February 16, 2014, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, February 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Williston, with a fellowship luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions may be given to St. John Lutheran Church (General Fund), 21140 W. Toledo St., P.O. Box 235, Williston, OH 43468; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551. |
