James Patrick Haire

March 27, 1952 – October 24, 2026

“God needed an angel with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.”

For James Patrick Haire, the water was more than a favorite place. It was a lifelong passion, a source of freedom, and the backdrop to some of his family’s most treasured memories.

James, 74, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on October 24, 2026. Born March 27, 1952, on Long Island, New York, he was the son of Walter F. Haire and Felicia I. Haire.

He proudly served in the United States Navy as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Trenton. He remained a sailor at heart, happiest on a boat, a dock, or a beach surrounded by family and friends.

Alongside his wife, Linda, he enjoyed the fellowship of the Freeport Yacht Club and the Power Squadron. Together, they shared a life filled with boating adventures, trips to gardens and arboretums, and countless family excursions. Above all, he was a loving and devoted husband to Linda, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and adventure.

On land, he was an accomplished elevator mechanic and entrepreneur who, with Linda, owned and operated elevator companies in New York City. He took immense pride in his craft and loved pointing out buildings where he had installed elevators. He worked tirelessly, made his own decisions, and built a life on his own terms, with laughter, faith, and family always at the center.

But it was his generous heart, not just his accomplishments, that people loved most.

James could talk to anyone and was always the first to welcome someone into his home. He had a unique sense of humor, loved making people laugh, and rarely missed an opportunity to cook for a crowd.

His family fondly remembers him making cheese omelets for everyone on the dock at Tobay Beach. His children remember playful nicknames, silly mustaches drawn with a pen, and the way he always made time for them.

He was a man of faith whose love for his family was unmistakable. He worked hard, played hard, and approached life with warmth, humor, and generosity.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda A. Haire; his sons, James P. Haire Jr., William F. Haire, Joseph M. Haire, Justin J. Haire, and Philip J. Haire; and his eight beloved grandchildren, James T. Haire, Victoria L. Haire, Sebastian M. Haire, Joseph M. Haire Jr., Matthew L. Haire, Theo J. Haire, Esme V. Haire, and Nina E. Haire.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa E. Haire.

His family will carry his stories, laughter, and love wherever life takes them.

For a man of the ocean, there could be no more fitting remembrance than a lifetime of beautiful memories shared together, and the knowledge that his spirit will always sail with those he loved.

A Funeral Mass will be held 12pm Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd., Cary, NC 27513. The family will receive friends 5pm - 8pm Friday, November 6, 2026 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27511.