James "Jim" Lee Hare

James "Jim" Lee Hare, 68, a former resident of Sidney, passed away on Tues., Oct. 29, 2013. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Amarillo with Rev. James Schmitmeyer officiating. Private interment was at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon, Texas. Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon & Happy, Texas were in charge of the Jim's care and funeral arrangements.

Jim Hare was born Aug. 31, 1945 in Sidney, to Clarence George and Lillian Catherine Hare.  The fourth of six children born to the Hare's, Jim learned the value of family, hard work, service to others and faith in God at a young age.  All of his younger days were spent in Sidney where he learned to be a "Jack of All Trades" working along side Clarence in the community and for Union Pacific Railroad. 

After graduating high school from St. Patrick's Academy in Sidney, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force on May 21, 1965.  His military career as an Airman First Class was short lived as he was medically discharged while attending Technology School at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss. 

In the summer of 1966, Jim found himself moving south to Bovina, Texas, to work for his Uncle "Big Nick" Treinen.  Jim became a Canyon resident in January 1967, when his Uncle Nick saw a bright future for his nephew and one day dropped him off on Highway 60 just outside of Canyon stating "Class starts on Monday".  This heartfelt gesture set Jim on a path to become a graduate of West Texas State University, a devoted husband, a father of three, and the man people came to know as "Papa Hare".

While attending school, he married the love of his life Nancy Segelke on August 7, 1970.  Jim completed his Bachelor of Science degree on May 9, 1971, just weeks before the arrival of their first child, Gustin Lee.  Jim continued his education at WT and received his Master of Education on August 17, 1973.   He began his teaching career as a woodshop teacher at Bonham Junior High School in Amarillo, Texas  Jim then went on to join the faculty at WT, instructing in the Industrial Technology Department. During his teaching career, Jim and Nancy completed their family with the addition of two daughters: Dana Lynn and Dawn Marie.  In 1978, Jim looked for new and exciting opportunities outside the teaching field and went to work at the newly established Owens Corning Fiberglass in Amarillo, Texas.  After 35 years of service, he retired as a Process Engineer.  Meanwhile, establishing a business of their own, H&H Rentals, to fulfill the handyman inside.

In retirement, one could find Jim helping someone with a remodeling job, working on rental property, spending quality time with family, or vacationing at the cabin "The Briar Patch", in Idlewild, NM.  Jim always gave of his time and talents volunteering with St. Ann's Catholic Church as a Former Pastoral Council member; Knights of Columbus; was a 16 year Veteran of the Canyon Fire Department; Member of the Boy Scouts of America for 20 years as a Golden Spread Board Member, Camp Don Harrington Summer Camp Director, Troop 4 Scoutmaster and eventually achieving the highest honor for Adult Scouts, the Silver Beaver Award.   

He was preceded in death by parents: Clarence and Lillian Hare of Sidney; and sister: Vera Horn of Omaha.

Survivors include is wife: Nancy Hare; a son: Gustin "Gus" Hare and wife Sharla of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters: Dana Andrews and husband Jim of New Braunfels, Texas, and Dawn Ulbricht and husband John of Round Rock, Texas; 8 Grandchildren:  Prebble, Paige, and Presley Hare; Brock, Kyndall, and Berklee Andrews; and Cade and Cole Ulbricht; 3 sisters: Agnes Weller of Denver, Colo., Carol Macrone and husband Pat of Hatboro, Penn., and Susan Condon and husband Bill of North Platte; 1 brother:  Lowell Hare and wife Diane of Castle Rock, Colo .; Special family members: Uncle Dean Hecker, Uncle George Hare and wife Aunt Joy, all of Sidney, Aunt Mary of Bovina, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be to Golden Spread Council /memo: Camp Don Harrington, 401 Tascosa Rd., Amarillo, Texas 79124, Odyssey Hospice, 6900 I40 W., Suite 150, Amarillo, Texas 79106, or to St. Hyacinth Catholic Church Gathering Room Building Fund, 4500 W. Hills Trail, Amarillo, Texas 79106.

Please sign the online guest registry at http://www.brooksfuneral.com.