By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

If James H. Hader's last name sounds familiar, it's because for more than a century, his family owned one of the most successful hardware businesses in Greater Cincinnati.

The third generation to own and operate Hader Hardware, Mr. Hader used to appear in local television commercials, saying, "When your name's on the store, you care a lot more."

Mr. Hader died Wednesday at Mercy Franciscan Hospital-Mount Airy of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

The longtime White Oak resident was 80.

"He loved his church, family, country and community. And the hardware business," said his wife, Evelyn E. Hader of White Oak.

Raised in Westwood, Mr. Hader graduated from Western Hills High School in 1941 and went on to study at Ohio Wesleyan University.

He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was stationed in Europe and the Pacific. A recipient of a Bronze Star, he returned to Cincinnati after the war to work in his father's hardware store in Westwood.

When his father died, he took over the business, and for many years worked with his brother, the late Milton F. Hader.

Eventually, Hader Hardware grew to 15 stores around the area.

In 1993, he sold the business to its employees and retired.

Mr. Hader was past chairman of the Ohio Hardware Association, and Hardware Wholesalers Inc.

A lifelong member of Westwood United Methodist Church, Mr. Hader was a 56-year member of the Kiwanis Club and a past president.

He served on the board of Cincinnati Savings and Loan and was chairman for 24 years.

An avid golfer, Mr. Hader belonged to the Western Hills Country Club for many years.

Other survivors include three daughters, Penelope Brooks of Colerain Township, Patricia Moon of Fort Collins, Colo., and Priscilla Rose of Barrington, Ill.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family will receive visitors 1-2 p.m. today at Westwood United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow.

Burial was in Bridgetown Cemetery.

Memorials: Westwood United Methodist Church, 3460 Epworth Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211.

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E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com