Memorial

October 22nd, 2026, was a beautiful fall day but our world is a little darker with the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend James ‘Jim’ Haro.  Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Born in 1944 to Arne and Mabel Haro in Valley City, North Dakota, Jim was the 7th of 8 children. He enjoyed sharing stories of growing up and working on the family farm and time spent with his siblings. He gained his life-long respect for hard work and ingenuity that defined the rest of his life while farming and adventuring on the North Dakota prairie.  After high school graduation, Jim completed a degree at the North Dakota State School of Science and was recruited by Collins Radio, bringing him to Cedar Rapids and a 38-year career in Electrical Engineering. While working at Collins, Jim met his soulmate, Judy, and it was love at first sight. Judy saw him in the lunch line and convinced a friend to introduce her to the man she would spend the next 62 years with. After one date in June of 1964, they were inseparable, only physically apart during Jim’s military service and deployments. 

Jim enlisted in the Air Force in September 1964, completing Basic Training in Texas and additional training in Colorado. At his first opportunity, he returned to Iowa to marry Judy and begin their life together. Stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jim was deployed to Guam twice and Thailand to service electrical and navigation systems on B-52 bombers completing missions in Vietnam. He was very proud but humble of his service to the country he loved and the airmen he served with. It was at the end of his military service that he and Judy welcomed the birth of their daughter, Stephanie, in South Dakota. 

The family returned to Cedar Rapids where Jim continued his career with Collins Radio which later became Rockwell Collins, only leaving for a short time to operate a TV repair shop. He and Judy later welcomed their son, Jeff, into the family. He was very proud of the accomplishments he contributed to at Collins/Rockwell including the development of an HF Radio system still utilized by aircraft today. He said his greatest accomplishment was the outstanding friendships he created and he mourned the passing of good friends: Dick, Tom, Curt, Dave, Jerry, Ed, and others in recent years. He retired in 2002 and it seemed his life got even busier.

Jim was a self-taught craftsman in everything he attempted. In addition to his skill in electronics work, he was a mechanic, a woodworker, a metalsmith, a gunsmith, and could fix anything. He loved the outdoors, whether working on the acreage where he and Judy lived for over 38 years, or hunting and target shooting with friends and family. Jeff especially enjoyed a good bourbon with Dad and talking about the mysteries of life. 

Most of all, Jim loved his family and friends. An exacting but kind father, he revered hard work and honesty and was a true teacher of life. He motivated us to do our best while supporting our interests. Whether it was Stephanie’s photography or Jeff’s love of hunting, he encouraged us to pursue our passions. With the births of his granddaughter, Rachel, and grandson, Jack, he transitioned to being the patient and doting grandfather. They loved spending time with ‘Papa’ on the acreage, riding on the ATV and making cookies with Grandma. 

The defining theme of his life was his deep love and respect for Judy. She was his rock, especially during his difficult illness, and he loved her with every cell in his body. The last couple of years and the health challenges they brought only intensified his resilience and his support for those around him. He was incredibly positive even as his health declined, he never gave up his love for life. His body may have been taken from us too early but his spirit lives on. He taught us how to love, and now he is teaching us how to leave. He was our hero.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clifford and Arne G (Bud), sisters Ethel, Irene, and Barbara, and aunts and uncles on both the Haro and Olson side. He is survived by his wife, Judy, daughter Stephanie, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Lori, granddaughter Rachel, grandson Jackson, siblings Margaret, and William (Marge), and many nieces and nephews across the country.

Special thanks to the incredibly compassionate medical staff at Unity Point Cedar Rapids, Physicians Clinic of Iowa, and the Meth-Wick community during his many treatments and stays. Their kindness was something he spoke of often. 

A Celebration of Life will come at a later date when we can focus on the happiness of his life rather than the grief of his passing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St Lukes Compassion Fund Jor American Legion Post 298 in Jim’s memory.