HAUSER, James “Jim”, age 62, of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Jim graduated from Clinton Massie High School and Laurel Oaks Vocational Center, class of ’79. He worked in the HVAC industry for three decades before opening his handyman business. He loved working with his hands and designing home improvements. When his daughters were in high school, he joined other fathers in the “Pit Crew” for the marching band, which led to him joining the band boosters and becoming President of the Middletown Musical Boosters. He was also a member of the West Chester Rotary, which he enjoyed attending with his brother, Roy. Family-oriented, loving, caring, friendly, and creative, Jim was often corny and thought he was funny, often to the annoyance of his immediate family. He loved repeating the same dad jokes and using the missing digit on his hand to make funny gestures. Of course, the four-finger “Hauser Handshake” was his go-to comedic act to friends and strangers alike. With his outgoing personality and love of stories, he enjoyed telling stories about his missing thumb, band boosters, and his daughters and grandsons. He loved the construction business, which was as much a hobby as a career. Watching crime shows and, of course, Home Improvement with Tim the Toolman, was a favorite pastime. He had a tradition of playing Santa during Christmas, complete with a Santa hat. When the girls were young, he always moved the fireplace grate to make a big deal that Santa had visited the house. He also enjoyed traveling to Washington, D.C., during the Easter holiday to visit Sharon’s family. In addition to visiting the historical sites, he enjoyed playing cards with the family and going to dinner in our nation’s capital. He also enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg with the family during the summertime, never missing the saltwater taffy shop. He was very fond of Legos and found himself collecting several different varieties. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of his dad’s homemade fudge, banana pudding, Caramel Cow Tales, Bulls Eye Vanilla Caramel Creams, and Diet Mt. Dew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Opal Hauser; one brother, Ted Hauser; and a sister, Carol Hauser. Jim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon; daughters, Samantha Hauser and Jennifer (Rob) Ball; grandsons, Keegan and Benjamin; sisters, Linda Petrey and Kathy (Steve) Conner; brothers, Roy (Linda) Hauser and Chris (Sandy) Hauser; and sister-in-law, Donna Hauser. The family will receive friends 5 - 8 PM on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home, 185 N Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home. The burial will be in Woodside Cemetery, Middletown. Pastor Brian Buriff will be officiating the services. The family would like to thank Ohio’s Hospice at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for their care and support during his brief stay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Ohio’s Hospice (https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/).