James "Jim" G. Haman

James G. Haman, 97, of Cape Girardeau, MO died Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born September 8, 1928 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Chester A. and Lucile E. Ables Haman. He and Eleanor Rose Grossheider were married May 15, 1954 at Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville. Jim and Eleanor were married for 69 years before her death in 2024. Jim was the first cameraman and head of photography at the new KFVS television station in Cape Girardeau in 1954. During his tenure at the station, he was asked to climb and photograph the KFVS TV tower, which was built in 1960. At nearly 2,000 feet above average terrain, it was the world's tallest man-made structure until 1962. In December 1961, they purchased Kassel's Studio on Main Street in downtown Cape. They relocated the studio in 1973 to a building on Broadway, renaming it Haman's Kastle Studio. As a devoted family man and caring son, he dedicated the sunroom of the studio to his father's coin and stamp business. Jim and Eleanor owned one of the largest collections of historical photographs of the region which will be donated to the Historical Society. When the photography business waned, Jim became co-owner of a painting and wallpapering business known for its excellent reputation. He had a remarkable ability to cut in a straight line with a brush. He and Eleanor retired in 1988 and enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. For many years, Jim was a member and past President of the Cape Girardeau Breakfast Optimist Club. He was also active in the Traveler's Protective Association (TPA), attending dances with Eleanor. A lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he volunteered for years with the church's Men's Club at the SEMO District Fair. A jack of all trades and master of many, Jim pursued numerous creative interests by studying books extensively and often apprenticing in new fields. His passions included gardening, home building, faceting and polishing stones, lost wax casting, silversmithing, fishing, deer hunting, reloading and gunsmithing, tanning hides, leatherwork, clay and pottery and building furniture. He was instrumental in founding the Southeast Missouri Arts Council in 1961. Survivors include his three daughters, Jennifer (Stephen) March of Webster Groves, MO; Denise Salmon of Cape Girardeau, MO; Gail (Ken) Gregory of Marengo, OH; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leslie William Haman (2017), Charles Thomas Haman (2017); and son-in-law, Paul A. Salmon (2023). Jim was the last surviving member of his and Eleanor's immediate families. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am with the Rev. Paul Short officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, on Caruthers north of Broadway. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Lutheran Home, Trinity Lutheran Church, or to one's favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

James "Jim" G. Haman

September 8, 1928 - June 11, 2026