In less than a week, the 25th member of the Wall of Witnesses in Perry will be officially enshrined, and the public is invited to celebrate the contributions of the late Jim Haas.

Haas was a Perry native, born in 1922, and aside from his time spent enrolled at the University of Iowa and three years fighting in World War II, he lived his whole life in the City until he died in 2017. He was the Senior Vice President and Trust Officer at Perry State Bank for 40 years, and a member of countless boards, committees, and clubs throughout Perry. He was also given the Kiwanis Business Man of the Year Award, and the Perry Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.

Haas will now be the latest addition to the western wall of Soumas Court in Perry, with a ceramic relief crafted in his likeness by Newton sculptor Rick Stewart placed alongside the other 24 inductees. The ceremony to reveal the sculpture and honor Haas and his family will be held on Thursday, October 10th at 5 p.m. in front of the Wall of Witnesses. The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be provided. The monument and all the plaques contained within it are made possible through the support of Perry Hometown Heritage, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Dallas County Foundation, and Perry Chamber of Commerce.