James Henry Hain

James Henry (Jim) Hain, 85, of Blacksburg, Va., and formerly of Wenonah, N.J., died peacefully at home on Monday, April 19, 2010, surrounded by a grateful and loving family. Jim was born on March 10, 1925, in Woodbury, N.J., the son of Walter Morris and Jane Hinchcliffe Hain. He had four siblings; two brothers and two sisters, all of whom have preceded him in death.
In May 1943, at the age of 18, Jim volunteered for the Army Air Corps, ultimately serving as a pilot aboard a B-29 Superfortress with the 20th Air Force. He was one of the youngest B-29 pilots in the Air Corps, ultimately rising to the rank of Captain. While stationed in Saipan, he made nine bombing missions over Japan. After Japan's surrender in 1945, he flew food, medical supplies and clothing into POW camps in Japan where American prisoners were being held. A life long love of flying led Jim to own several of his own planes in later years that he flew for both business and pleasure.
Following the war, Jim returned home to marry the love of his life, Phyllis Dixon, in December 1946. They were married for 63 years, and are the proud parents of two daughters, Judie (David) of Blacksburg, Va., and Phyllis (Jim) of Munising, Mich. Jim claimed that being a good and loving husband and father were the greatest accomplishments of his life. In retirement, Jim and Phyllis were able to travel extensively together, enjoying their extended family and making new friends around the world.
Prior to retiring to Blacksburg, Jim was a successful business executive, operating two companies that he started; Eastern Marketing Associates, a manufacturing representative firm for companies in the marine business, and Henley Corporation, which imported a variety of products for distribution throughout the United States. Prior to starting his own businesses, Jim worked for the DuPont Corporation, developing their marine products division.
Throughout his life, Jim gave generously of his time and energy to his church and community. He was an ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Wenonah, New Jersey, Fire Department for 25 years, serving as Chief for many years. He was active with the American Red Cross in New Jersey and Virginia, serving as Chairman of the Montgomery County Chapter. He was also involved in supporting his two daughters' sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, at West Virginia Wesleyan College and at Virginia Tech, where he served as the House and Finance Advisor for many years.
In addition to his beloved wife and daughters, Jim Hain is survived by four grandchildren, David, James, Erin and Amy; and four great-grandchildren, Macey, Cole, Brady and Logan.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2010, at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, 701 Church Street. The family invites you all to join them in Fellowship Hall immediately following the service for a reception in honor of Jim's life.
The family thanks Dr. Wilder, Charlotte and Athena, Dr. Rivero, Dr. Raber, the Carilion Hospice team and caregivers Debra, Angela and Evelyn for their competent, kind and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 144, Blacksburg, Va. 24063-0144 or to the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Wenonah, 202 East Mantua Ave., Wenonah, N.J. 08090. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.