A great poem "The Human Touch" recited by a James F. "Jim" Haught James F. Haught, 92, of St. Albans passed away January 31, 2016 after a short illness. He was born in Pine Grove, West Virginia August 6, 1924 and was a son of Benjamin and Orpha Delaney Haught. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Melba and son, Benjie. Jim was a 1942 graduate of Pine Grove High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served proudly and honorable for three years. After returning from the Navy, he left his hometown of New Martinsville to focus on his education at Salem College and then at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he was classmates with Margaret Truman, the daughter of President Harry S. Truman. Jim then went on to study law at West Virginia University and while there, founded the university’s Young Democratic Club in 1948. He was a 1949 graduate of West Virginia University. It was also at WVU that Jim first met A. James Manchin and the two became lifelong best friends. In 1952, Jim met his beautiful wife, Melba, in Parkersburg and married soon thereafter and raised a family of four sons. In 1958, he decided to run for public office to represent Wood County in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He served for two years, until he embarked on a new journey in 1960. As a staunch Democratic supporter, Jim and A. James together played an extraordinarily significant role in John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in West Virginia. The duo worked tirelessly setting up country organizations in all of the state’s 55 counties. It was Jim’s perseverance and energy that helped make JFK’s presidency a reality. When President Kennedy arrived in the White House, he personally called Jim and offered him a position as the Director of Federal Housing. He accepted the position and moved to St. Albans where he remained active in his community while working for the President. He was involved in Democratic politics for over 70 years. From 1975 – 2016, Jim enjoyed his last profession/hobby of being the first manager of the St. Albans Mall with his son, Cameron. They eventually passed it on to Benjie and Danny. Jim was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Beni Kedem, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Albans. He helped establish and was involved with every committee of the St. Albans Hansford Center at one time or another and was involved with the Putnam Aging Commission. There is much to say and much will be said about Jim “WV NUT” Haught. He had such a deep personal impact on all whom he met. His family was his first and foremost priority. He was a great story teller, a strong debater and devil’s advocate. Jim was German Irish and a proud Democrat. He loved his WVU football game road trips. He was not perfect – far from it – but he believed in second chances which instilled a moral obligation to teach. Dad taught us empathy, not sympathy. He even taught us to tolerate Republicans. He never stopped trying to right wrongs, be they the results of his own failings or the failings of others. His deepest emotions were wrapped in the efforts to help the less fortunate of our society. He never surrendered. He was our best friend. His faith helped him immensely in his waning days. He brought smiles to so many faces and will be missed by many. He was loved by all he touched. Remember that it is the human touch in this world that counts. Throughout all of his life, raising, advising, guiding and loving was Jim’s #1 priorty. He is survived by sons, Greg (Carrie) Haught of St. Albans, Cameron (Kathy) Haught of Fripp Island, SC and Danny Haught of St. Albans; grandchildren, Jason (Jaime) Haught, Scott (Jamie) Haught , Katie and Clara Haught and Jacob and Zachary Haught; four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews. Set aside the sadness and celebrate his memory. There will be a celebration of life service 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1023-6th Avenue, St. Albans with Father Patrick McDonough as celebrant. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2017 at Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, 110 B Street, St. Albans. In lieu of flowers, the donations may be made to St. Francis School, 525 Holley Street, St. Albans, WV 25177.

• published: 01 Feb 2017
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