Obituary of James A. Haitsch

James A. Haitsch, of Bethel, devoted husband of the late Barbara (Schulz) Haitsch, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 21st at the age of 80. He was born in Danbury on April 10, 1936, one of three children to the late Alfred and Izora (Finger) Haitsch. He graduated Henry Abbott Technical School. At the age of 17, Jim proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving in Guam, shortly after the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion, Post #100, in Bethel. On December 29, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Marie Schulz and they lovingly raised their two daughters, Cathy and Cheryl. Jim spent his entire career with The Barden Corp, working his way from a draftsman to retiring as a plant manager. An avid golfer into his 70’s, Jim could be found at Richter Park every weekend of the golf season. Aside from golf, he loved gardening, a skill he learned from his father. He enjoyed working with his hands, could fix almost anything, and used his woodworking skills to craft his own golf clubs. He also enjoyed wine making. Until recent years, Jim was full of life with a distinct look, standing 6’3” tall, with a hairstyle like no other, cigar and driving his Lincoln. He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Cathy Hunt and her husband, Bill of Brookfield and Cheryl Barone and her husband, Ralph of Cambridge, MA; his five grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Billy, and Stephanie Hunt, Austin, Hunter and Izora Barbara Barone. He is also survived by his brother, Bill; his sister, Sharon; many nieces, nephews and close friends. A memorial service will be held privately for the immediate family, at a later date. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the compassionate care Jim received from his caregivers from Visiting Angels, and the nurses of Masonicare Hospice. Memorial Contributions may be made in Jim's honor to: The First Tee Connecticut 55 Golf Club Rd. Cromwell, CT 06416. Visit website: Www.thefirstteeconnecticut.org or call 860-882-1660.