James Reese Haning, 89, formerly of Kerrville, Texas passed away November 21, 2022 with his loving wife, Mary Anne, devoted daughter Jan and son-in-law Bruce at his side. “Jimmy” was known as the Comeback Kid who never gave up fighting the cruel effects of Parkinson’s.
Jim was born February 12, 1933, in rural Freemont County, Iowa, to Millard and Adeline (Wise) Haning. With his older sisters, Mary and Vineta and younger brother Lu, he grew up in the small farming community of Farragut, Iowa. After graduating high school, he attended college and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was selected to attend Officer Training School (OTS) where he would begin formal training to become an officer and a pilot. As a career USAF officer, Jim would fulfill his childhood dream flying around the world in service to his country. Ultimately, there were few places in the world to which Jim did not fly in “Old Shaky”, the C-124. Also during his Air Force career, Jim would go on to finish his formal education, obtaining a Master’s Degree from Webster College in Missouri.
As a young Lieutenant stationed at Donaldson AFB near Greenville, South Carolina, Jim met the lovely Mary Anne Guy. In 1955, they were married in the garden at the home of the bride’s parents George and Una Guy in a ceremony officiated by the Rev. C. Newman Faulconer of Greenville’s First Presbyterian Church. In 1956, the couple welcomed identical twin daughters, Georgia Anne and Jan Renee’. Five years later their daughter Ramona Jean was born. Karen Lynn was the last of four girls born to the family.
Together the family would travel and make a home wherever Jim was stationed except, of course, when he was assigned Temporary Duty to far-flung places like the Congo, the Antarctic and Morocco! Much more family-friendly were his duty stations of Donaldson AFB - Greenville, SC, Patrick AFB - Savannah, GA, The Pentagon - Washington, D.C., Lindsey Air Station - HQ Command, USAFE - Wiesbaden, Germany, Randolph AFB - San Antonio, TX and Altus AFB - Altus, OK). Jim also served a one-year tour of duty overseas in Viet Nam. Colonel Haning retired his Air Force wings after 26 years of dedicated service to his country. Jim and Mary Anne would then make their home in Kerrville, Texas. For nearly thirty years, Jim and Mary Anne enjoyed retired life in Texas, with the added joy of living close enough to their daughter Jan to be an important part of grandson Nicholas’ life from newborn to the man he is today.
Anyone who knew Jim knew he was a man of faith, a devout Christian. He and his Mary Anne were actively involved with the Presbyterian Church wherever they were stationed. Later in life, they were active members of Kerrville First United Methodist Church. Jim was also a member of Alzafar Shrine, a Freemason, the Quiet Birdmen and Order of The Eastern Star.
Jim is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Georgia Anne, his parents and sisters Mary Henderson and Vineta Bryte. Survivors include his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Anne (Guy) Haning, daughter Jan R. Kemp and son-in law Bruce M. Kemp of Leander, Texas, grandson Nicholas James Gargiulo, his wife Lauren and their two children, Sawyer and Sutton of Dripping Springs, Texas. Jim is also survived by daughters Ramona J. Hodgkins and her husband Raymond of Bartlett, New Hampshire and Karen L. Cummings of Union, Missouri and her husband Chadwick. Also surviving Jim are his brother Lu Haning of Kansas City, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
A visitation is scheduled Thursday evening, December 1, 2022 at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 411 Ranch Road 620 South in Lakeway, Texas 78734. At a future date, a graveside service with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. where Jim’s earthly remains shall lie forever with generations of those who so honorably served their country.
Our gratitude goes to our team at Silverado Hospice and Carolyn who helped us bedside. These are the real working angels who help families like ours every day. Bless you, all and thank you.
Now my father’s soul is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior soaring high forever with Georgia at his side. Until we meet again.
When the angels call,
May your body rest,
May your soul be blessed,
May your spirit soar,
There’s no pain anymore,
May you find your way,
In your Savior’s arms,
In Peace.
