James C. Hair
December 11, 1922 ~ February 19, 2009
James C. Hair, 86, of Weirton died Thursday February 19, 2009, at the Weirton Medical Center.
Jimmy was born on December 11, 1922, in Weirton, WV, a son of the late Holmes W. "Beezer" and Pauline Vale Hair. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Davis Hair, and a sister, Mildred Lenore Hair.
Jimmy retired after 41 years as an owner operator of the James C. Hair Construction Company. He is a board of director of the Hancock County Savings Bank, where he has done real estate appraisals, and construction loan inspections since 1971.When he was not working, Jimmy enjoyed riding his motorcycle.
Jimmy was a 1940 graduate of Weir High School. He served his country for 2 1/2 years with the US Army overseas, in Europe, during World War II, with Company F, 359th Engineers. For three years Jimmy served with the 191st Engineers Ohio National Guard 166th Combat team during the Korean War.
He is a life member of the First United Methodist Church, BPOE 1801, VFW 2716, and American Legion Post 10, a member of the Weirton Area Board of Realtors, United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 186, National Association of Review Appraisers and mortgage underwriters.
Jimmy is survived by his two step daughters, Beverly (William) Cassagranda of Charlotte, N.C, and Brenda Ponti of Brilliant, OH; his sisters, Lucille Hair Smith of Steubenville, OH, Dorothy Hair (Robert) Miller of Salem, OH, and Marjorie Hair (Victor) Greco, with whom he recently resided; several step grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by a dear friend, Wilda Horton of Weirton, W.Va.
Visitation will be 6-8 PM Friday and 1-3 & 6-8 PM Saturday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, W.Va. Additional visitation will be 1 PM until time of services at 2PM Sunday, at the First United Methodist Church, 3301 West Street, Weirton, W.Va.
Pastor Chuck Jerman will preside.
Interment will follow at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, with military graveside services conducted by the American Legion, and the Weirton Honor Guard.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com.
Weirton has lost one of their finest. He was always a gentleman and worked very hard to help others. My prayers are with the family at this sad time.
We want to send our sincere sympanthy to the family. Jimmy was a very dear friend to us. Kenny and June Newlen
My deepest condolences to the family. I worked at HCSB right out of high school & Mr. Hair was one of the most wonderful & caring person I have EVER meet. I remember 1 day when the weather was so bad the yr of the blizzard, I lived on a really bad hill by Dunkin Donut & could not get to work–I walked up the hill & he came & got me & even bought me coffee & a donut–this was only 1 of the many times he was my “hero”. He will always be a hero in my eyes. I will never forget him!!! And those who knew him will always have an angel watching over them as I know I do.(keep an eye on me Mr. Hair & tell pap I said “hi”) God Bless & love ya Mr. Hair.
Jimmy was a fine man and I am sure he will be missed. We always enjoyed his sense of humor. He is at peace now.
Chuck and I are visiting Lisa in Florida and were so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I remember him with the fondest memories of good times at Aunt Pauline’s and many other family get-togethers. Our sincerest sympathy. So sorry we cannot be with you at this time.
Marjorie we are saddened to learn of your Dads passing. He was a community leader in the Weirton area and touched and improved the lives of many.
Mr Hair Was not just an outstanding man in so many ways,he was also responsible for what Weirton stood for. He and his acts of kindness will be greatly missed at a very trying time.Regards to the family…I share your loss. God Bless.
Vic, Marge and Family: We just want to let you know out thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Dear Marge, Vic and Family, Jimmy was one of the nicest persons I have ever known. Sad that he (and all of his dear family) had to suffer so much lately with his severe illness problems. But, He and all of you, handled it very well…and Jimmy was so fortunate to have his loving close family looking after him. It is certain that he is in God’s hands now, and he looks down on us with kind, loving and smiling face as was shown to all of us in his great obituary today. God Bless You All
Dear Tammy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Your Grandfather was a really kind and wonderful person. May Gods Love Be With All Of You At This Time. Leann
Aunt Marge,& Uncle Victor Just Got Jimmy’s Email. I am so sorry I can’t be there. God Bless Uncle Jimmy. We send our Love and Prayers. We Love you, and will be thinking of you Love Lila & Ron and Family
Jimmy has been a Great Dad to us over the years, we will love him and remember forever.He has taught me about construction and that lesson has been invaluable training. Knowing in where he is now with his loved ones and his wife Wilma brings great peace. You will be loved forever! Beverly & Bill Casagranda & Family
Thank you for always being there as a Great Dad to me from my childhood you were always there through the years with devited love. In this life we have helped each other and that’s what family is all about. Thank you for being such a Great Dad you will always be remembered! We love you! Brenda & Jeff Ponti
Where do I begin, little did I know what an important day it was when you met our Mother. This event changed our lives for the good. We have such wonderful memories to reflect on. Like when you took our Mother, Brenda, our best friends, and myself to the drive-in numerous times, and indulged us in such wonderful treats. To the times I brought my new babies to your home first before going home and I will never forget the excitement and the twinkle in your eyes at the sight of your new grandchildren as you cradled them in your arms! To watch your elated face as you watched their every step as they grew up into fine adults. You always said they were so well behaved and you couldn’t have loved them more if they were you own children and not your grandchildren. Your memories and your love will live on forever. I love you so much and you will never be forgotten! Love, Beverly, Bill, Children, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren
Jimmy, I love you so much! I have a lot of fond memories; from you taking Beverly, Mom, and me to Kennywood for the our first time, to teaching me to drive , to taking me to Columbus in a winter storm to take my state board beauty license, to walking me down the isle when I got married, to your excitement at the birth of your grandson! You have helped me through the years and I have helped you. We have been a devoted Father and Daughter to our needs. We love you forever and we will always carry that love in our hearts. We have been together not only in words but also in deeds with an all encompassing love. Your Loving Daughter and Grandson, Brenda and Jeff
When I think of Jimmy I’ll think of someone that embraced life. His love of Fords and riding motorcyles long after most people give them are the first things I think of when I think of him. Working for Ford we’ve had some great converstaions when visting Aunt Marjorie. His eyes would sparkle when he talked about some of his cars and the motorcycle trips he’s taken. He was a good person that I’m glad I had the opportunity to know.
We will miss Uncle Jimmy and his warm and gentle spirit.
We have such warm and fond memories of you Uncle Jimmy. You will be missed!
Jim was one of the most wonderful men I have ever known. Always a kind word and the epitome of what a real man of God should be. Had he had lived to be 100, it still wouldn’t be long enough. He loved his country and served with such dignity and honor. He was always a highlight of warmth and class any time I spoke with him. My heart felt prayers go out to his family and friends. We need more people like Jim. The world is somewhat more empty now.
Grandpap Jimmy was such a gem to me, in my life, from the day that I was born. He was the type of Grandpap that bent over backwards to cater to my every whim. When I think of all of the things my grandparents and I did together it brings to me such thoughts of utter joy it makes me cry, even as I am typing this. We loved to go to the Circus in Pittsburgh every time it was in town and we would go to every circus and carnival that came to Weirton. One time in particular that comes to mind is when we had been shopping all day and came back to Weirton for dinner. We were in one of the many Fords convertibles he owned and we pulled into Elby’s and I said I wasn’t in the mood for Elby’s and Grandpap Jimmy turned around in his seat and said “Tina, Honey, where would you like to go?” and I told him and he said “Okay!” and backed out of the parking space and drove over an hour away, just to please me! I know that he always said that I was his “sunshine” and that is how he always referred to me. We had a special bond that no one can every take away from me! His memory will live on in my heart forever! I always say that if you were able to hand pick a Grandfather, you could never pick one that was finer than Jimmy Hair. He was a kind and honorable man and I always loved to hear his stories of the war and of his youth. I enjoyed being one of his first typist when he did all of his many appraisals. The love that my Grandfather and Grandmother shared richly blessed my life and together with my parents love and my Godly up bringing made me the person that I am today! For that, I will be eternally grateful. The Godly legacy that was given to me is why I know that one day we will meet again in Heaven. I love him so much and that love was even able to bridge the distance between Charlotte and Weirton and never changed. Kiss Grandma for me until we meet again! All Of Our Love, Tina(your sunshine), Paul, and Ariana Perry
Marge ,Victor and family, Jim was a long time special friend ,especially in our church family – I’ll greatly miss his gentle manner and always pleasant personality. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Pat
LUCILLE,DOROTHY AND MARGE: OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES, GOD BLESS. JACK & ESTHER
To my precious grandfather. You have always been and always will be near and dear to my heart.When I think of you I think of someone I’ve always been proud to say you are my Grandfather. You are such a Hero to me in so many ways. I used to call you to say “Thank You” for serving our country and to say how much I Love You on veterans day.You were the best grandfather, and the great memories of growing up are as vivid as the day we were together. I remember you, Grandma and I watching one of our favorite shows “The Muppet Show” and eating popcorn. I always loved it when you walked through the door and I saw your smiling face. What I would give to hug you one last time and give you a kiss. I do know one thing for sure, your finally free you feel no more pain and suffering. My only consolation is to know that you are in Heaven with Jesus and Grandma and all your other loved ones. I know grandma would have been so excited to know that her “Sweet Jimmy” was coming to be with her once again after 17 years of being apart. I will promise you this, I will continue to play the videos I have of you singing and dancing and just you being you, to keep your memory alive in your great Grandchildrens lives because you are just to much a part of my life to forget.I love you Grandpap and I will see you in Heaven one day and I know you will be waiting at the gate for me with Jesus and Grandma and all of my loved ones who have gone before. Tara (Casagranda), Alan, Joshua & William Vancleave
My condolences to Jimmy’s family and friends. May God walk with you in your time of sorrow and need.
My deepiest sympathies. I would like to share a small story of what a generous and great man Jimmy was. My mother was left with 4 children to raise on her own when her husband passed away. He was Jimmy’s brother-in-law. Jimmy was so kind. He would send my mother 100.00 dollars for christmas to make sure my siblings would have a good christmas.You don’t no how much that help was for my mother. I will never forget his generosity. I will alway remember riding in one of the convertibles, to church with Wilma and Jimmy when they came to our house to visit. They took my brother and I to the huge church in town. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t there home church just as long as they went somewhere.They both were good people. We need more people like them in the world today.
Our sympathies to Mr. Hair’s family. We so enjoyed going to appraisals classes with him. He was a true gentleman and professional. We liked his stories of the construction business of years gone by but only because we all remembered them.
Bev, Bill, Tammy and Family: I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. I know what a great husband, father and grandfather Jimmy was to you all. He was also a great neighbor, friend and advisor to many including myself and my parents. He will be greatly missed by all. Weirton has certainly lost a gem. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers to all of the Hair family. Jim was a great man and a real inspiration.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mr. Hair was a kind and a generous man. May you have peace and comfort during this time of loss, but may you also know Mr. Hair touch the community with his love and may you carry that in your hearts. Numbers 6:24-26 Captains Adams
I lived across the street from Mr. and Mrs Hair when i was a teen. I spent a lot of time there by myself and with their grandchildren. Every few months Mr. and Mrs. Hair would call and ask if I wanted to go to the little drive up place near by and get some dinner or ice cream. Mr. Hair would always let me choose which color convertible we would go in. He was full of life and smiles all the time.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of our beloved Uncle Jimmy. He was such a kind, gentle and loving man and I know how he adored my Aunt Wilma, and how she adored him. Just think, they are together again! As a child of about 8 years of age, me, Becky June and Herbie couldn’t understand how anyone could smile all the time the way he did, so…we decided he must be a drunk! LOL Of course, we all know that was one thing he was not, but he did always have a smile and was always so happy. He truly had a heart of gold. He worried about others and tried to help anyone in need. We have all been blessed by knowing such a fine man. He will be missed by his sister-in-laws Velma, Loreda, Erma, Linda, Virgina, and brother-in-laws Kent and Jennings and the rest of the Davis Family. May the wonderful memories of Jimmy Hair be with all of us and comfort all of us at this time.
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I considered him to be one of the best neighbors I have ever had. I remember well the bike ride he took me on while we lived in Weirton, and the many inspiring visits we had. Be assured of our prayers for you, his family, and others who loved him.