James (Jim) Joseph Halas

Jim was born on October 29, 1946, in Dunkirk, NY, to the late Joseph and Genevieve (Bialaszewski) Halas.

Jim graduated in the class of 1962 from Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk and continued his studies at Jamestown Community College. He was a well-loved and loyal employee for 50 years at Westfield Memorial Hospital, where he would meet patients with his welcoming smile, comforting presence, and comedic relief that eased any stress his patients may have. Jim also worked at Brooks Memorial and Lakeshore Hospitals. He was a proud member of Hose 4 Dunkirk and Westfield Fire Exempts. He was a volunteer fireman with Mayville Fire Department and thoroughly enjoyed his role in the Mayville 4th of July parades as a clown who passed out candy with a wink and a smile. He was

also a member of the Westfield American Legion, the Westfield Moose, and Westfield VFW.

Jim dabbled in many hobbies throughout his life, including fishing/boating, vegetable gardening, stained glass, stamp/coin collecting, bird watching, and rooting for his beloved Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

If you were ever lucky enough to polka with Jim, you knew that he would dance until you were dizzy but he could also make you laugh with his simple mischievous smirk.

Jim will always be remembered as a happy, gentle, kind-hearted soul who loved a good chuckle and playing practical jokes.

Jim is survived by his wife Jeanne; his daughters Cori Boogaard of Nederland, CO, Jennifer (Michael) DeHaven of Cedar Park, TX, and Julie (John Allen) Simco of North Huntingdon, PA; as well as his stepchildren: Brent (Nacole) Ellis of Ripley, NY, and Erica (Tim) Munson of Dunkirk, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, who were the light of his world; Kaitlyn (Cayden) Orred, Jordan Ellis, Kristen DeHaven, Karissa DeHaven, Aliyah Boogaard, Carmella Simco, Khloe Munson, Adelina Simco, Kellen Shae DeHaven, and Kenzie DeHaven; and his sister Mary Ann (Carter) Town, brother Richard (Patricia) Halas and his many other family members near and far.

Visitation will be held at R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk, NY, on Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 8 pm, with a private burial for the family.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in his name be made to the Westfield Community Food Pantry, 101 E. Main Street, Westfield, NY, as his legacy continues to serve the community he loved so much.