Jim Haisler, a Denton, Texas native, artist and photographer, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on September 16 ^th at the age of 61.

Jim was born on March 7, 1960, the second child to J.B. and Shirley Haisler of Sanger. Growing up, he enjoyed hiking, camping, exploring anything in the outdoors, and was often found collecting reptiles, insects, rocks, and fossils. He was an Eagle Scout, backpacking in Philmont, NM, and later in the Rocky Mountains and Tetons. His goal was to land a position as staff photographer for the National Geographic. He was a hard worker on his parent's farm, hauling hay and helping build their home in the 1970's. Although he became quadriplegic following an accident during the summer of 1980, in his own words "it was important to prove to himself that he could still maintain an active lifestyle."  Four years later, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Fine Arts and Photography and was also skilled in sculpture and painting. He has exhibited his works in prestigious galleries and museums from Washington State to Washington D.C., as well as Tampa, Orlando, Chicago, and the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.

He had a strong love of music, good concerts and frequented many Denton music venues. He managed to travel extensively, everywhere from Europe to Central America and Mexico and even made it to Machu Pichu, Peru. Along the way, he took beautiful photos, made close friends, and once went skydiving.

In later years, Jim developed an interest in numismatics. He continued to prize time spent with his family, making it to family reunions around the country, even as his health challenges worsened. He was proud of all his nieces and nephews and found joy in following their adventures, photos, and making it to their key life events. They all loved hearing the wild stories that he would share in his own meandering way.

Jim is survived by his parents, J.B., and Shirley Haisler; his sisters, Jeanne LeVelle (Jim), Julie Knight (Bruce), and Jacque Jones (Scott); ten nieces and nephews; and four great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Johnny Haisler, his grandparents Joe and Rose Haisler, and Henry and Vivian and Pearl Trietsch. Arrangements are being made by DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton.