James Lunsford “Jim” Haire

James Lunsford “Jim” Haire was born in Bradley, Arkansas on October 5, 1934, and passed away at home on September 9, 2020 at 85 years old.

Jim’s early years were spent in Bradley where his mother Alva owned and operated several businesses.

In 1943, Jim moved with his mother Alva and her employees to Ft. Worth, Texas where she lived above and operated the Minute Coffee Shop across from the Courthouse. Jim helped in the coffee shop and his backyard was downtown Ft Worth. Later they moved to the Oakhurst neighborhood and Jim graduated from Carter Riverside High School in 1952 where he ran track.

Jim always had a job of some kind, but found his niche as an air traffic controller, first in the Air Force, then Marines, and finally with the Federal Aviation Administration.

At age 28, Jim was the youngest FAA front line supervisor at that time. Later, he was on duty in the Love Field control tower the afternoon President Kennedy was assassinated and flown back to Washington D.C.

Jim and others in a task force earned a Presidential Award for a better way of managing air traffic flow, but the award ceremony at the White House was cancelled due to Watergate.

His career was spent in Ft Worth, El Paso and finally in Albuquerque where he retired in 1997. In 2002, he and wife Brenda moved to their beloved home in Burnet, Texas.

Jim will be remembered for his humor, generosity, kindness, faith, stability and strength, especially during his illness.

We know the best has begun for Jim, and we will see him again.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Alva Haire, stepfather Grady Haire and his father Tom Lunsford. He is survived by wife of 28 years Brenda Haire, as well as children Scott Haire of Dallas, Jamie Haire of Tucson, Tim Stuteville and wife Connie of Burnet; and grandchildren Cooper Stuteville and Alexandria Haire.

Friends paid their respects to Jim Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home. His family gathered at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park for interment.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Burnet First United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity or organization.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Condolences and fond memories of Jim may be offered to clementswilcoxburnet.com. Arrangements entrusted to

Arrangements entrusted to of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas.