James Stephen Haddad

James “Jim” Stephen Haddad, 69, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, February 10, 2023.

Jim was born on March 12, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan to Rose and Steve Haddad. One of five children, Jim was bright and curious, quickly making friends. Growing up, Jim was very popular with everyone, especially the girls. From elementary to high school, girls were calling him on the phone. It was non-stop and Grandma had to change phone numbers a few times. When he was in Cub Scouts, not only did he learn lifesaving skills, but he carved out a Pinewood Derby "racing car" from wood. He was so proud of his accomplishment.

He spent a lot of time with his Uncle Fred, who ignited his love of cars. When Jim was old enough to drive, Uncle Fred gave Jim his first car, a 1956 Chevy that he treasured. He attended a general high school for 9th and 10th grade, but after discovering an aptitude for cars, motors, and tinkering in general, he completed his education at Aeromechanics High School.

Jim loved Motown music, the Beatles, and classic rock music. He was always playing his records on the record player. He was a good dancer and a very sharp dresser- always in style. He had a clubhouse in the garage that he and his friends would hang out and have fun in.

At 18 years old, Jim joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served 20 years. His first assignment was Carswell Air Force Base in Texas where he met June, whom he quickly phoned home to tell everyone she was a “doll.” Although they were only married briefly, they remained lifelong friends and worked together to raise their two girls, Christina and Stephanie. During his service, he also was stationed in Wichita, KS, Moore, OK, Guam and abroad in Athens, Greece. He was a great patriot who took pride in his country and his work. He earned several ribbons and medals during his military career.

Greatly admired and respected by all, Jim was the patriarch of the family. He had a knack for making everyone feel loved and valued as an individual, which led to strong friendships and connections. He was charming and charismatic and could carry on a conversation with anyone about anything. He had nearly as many nicknames as he did friends- Jim, Jimmy, Haddad, Pops, Daddio. It didn’t matter what you called him; he had a smile for all. He enjoyed fishing, building computers, fixing cars, and was especially good at troubleshooting and diagnostics because he wouldn’t quit until he figured out how to solve the problem. He just needed a strong cup of coffee and his “round tuit” and he would be ready to work.
He also enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren, as well as playing with his spoiled dogs (his other “girls” , Sadie and Pup).

Throughout the years, Jim and the girls would come up to visit Grandma, Grandpa and the family. Wonderful memories were made, especially around the holidays. Jim was truly family oriented. Even after he moved to Texas to be near his daughters and grandchildren, he divided his time between Texas and Michigan to help his mom and sisters with handyman jobs, taxes, or anything else that needed to be done. He will always be remembered for being a very thoughtful son, brother, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace!

Jim is survived by his daughters, Christina (Lucky) Watson, and Stephanie Aven; grandchildren, Lucky, Lauren, Hunter, Summer, Noah, and Andrew; mother, Rose Haddad; siblings Eva (Jim) Caloia, Tom Haddad, and Carol Harrison; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Steve Haddad, eldest sister Joanne, sister-in-law, Julie Haddad, and uncle Fred and Auntie Daad Hage.

Visitation for Jim will be Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, TX. We will meet again Thursday, February 23 at 12 pm at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst to form a procession, to the Committal Service with Full Air Force Honors will be held at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers foundation. This charity helps to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness.
https://t2t.org/

Visitation for Jim will be Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, TX. We will meet again Thursday, February 23 at 12 pm at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst to form a procession, to the Committal Service with Full Air Force Honors will be held at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.