Archived Services

James "JJ" Joseph Haas
08-08-2020

James Joseph “JJ” Haas, 78, passed away August 8, 2020 at his home in Sioux Falls. He was born at McKennan Hospital on January 25, 1942 to Joseph and Margaret (Keegan) Haas.

JJ was a farm kid and was raised on the Haas family farm near, Inwood, Iowa. He shared the joys and chores of living on the farm with his dad, mom and brother, Jerry. JJ graduated form Inwood High School in 1961. He continued to help on the farm after graduation. With the goal of getting off the farm, JJ enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard in 1963. After attending airborne electronics training at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, he returned home and began working at Raven Industries. He continued with the Air Guard until 1969.

He was united in marriage to Judi Arnette in 1964 and they had two children: Dan and Jeff.

JJ started working for The National Cash Register Company in 1966 as an apprentice serviceman. Over his years working for NCR, he continued to attend many months of training at the NCR school in Denver, Colorado and Dayton, Ohio. He became a very accomplished and valuable field engineer for NCR. While still working for NCR, he married Dodie Thie in 1989. JJ retired from NCR in 1993.

After retirement from NCR, he started JJ’s Small Gas Engine Repair at his home in Harrisburg. After continued pressure from his friend, he agreed to start a business to compete with NCR selling and servicing bank proof equipment. One of his most memorable moments in his life was the day he cut down that damn JJ’s Small Engine Repair sign with his chainsaw. Bank Services, Inc. Started there and he and his partner thoroughly enjoyed operating the business for 10 years, retiring again in 2004.

JJ was easy to like and had many friends. Nobody was a stranger to him for very long. Everyone appreciated his quick wit and sense of humor. He was good with engines and machines and could fix anything. His interests included guns, attending farm shows, hunting, fishing and enjoying a cool one at the end of the day.

JJ is survived by Dodie Haas; his two children: Dan Haas (Sioux City, IA) and Jeff (Kathy) Haas, Sioux Falls; his step-children: Theresa (Mike) Arbach, Tami Leih, Sioux Falls and Neil (Gina) Thie, Tampa, Florida. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Margaret Haas; and his brother: Jerry Haas.

Visitation will be Tuesday August 11, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Memorial Service Wednesday, August 12 at 2:00 PM also at the funeral home. Friends are invited to Tinner’s after the service.