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James Hall Obituary
He was born in Lexington to Walker Hall and Lurlene Bronough Hall. He graduated from Henry Clay High School, where he lettered in five sports, and from the University of Kentucky. He received a Master of Arts degree from Stanford University, where he was a Stegner fellow in Fiction Writing and then taught at Stanford, MIT and NYU before returning to Lexington in 1968 to teach in the University of Kentucky Creative Writing Program for 40 years, serving for much of that time as its director. He is the recipient of the Chancellor's Award and the Great Teachers Award.
He is the author of seven volumes of poetry and two novels. He twice served on the selection committee for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council. He has also published two book-length essays on photography. His photographs have been exhibited widely, most recently at the 21C Museum and Actors Theater in Louisville, and are collected in three books.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Ann Taylor-Hall; three sons, Lawrence Pemble (Julia Huber), Matthew Hall (Melissa Booth) and Michael Hall (Lisa Costiloe); five grandchildren: Robert, Daniel, Maya, Asha and Evie Ann; a sister, Anne Hall Atchison; two nephews, John Atchison and Russell Atchison; and two cousins, Natalie Webb and Patricia Beshears; as well as by a host of beloved former students, colleagues and friends.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, or to the University of Kentucky Art Museum.
A memorial service will be held at the Carnegie Center on the afternoon of July 11, 2009. Details will be announced later.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hall
March 30, 2014
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your dear love one. “And no resident will say: I am sick…” Isa 33. In this time of a loss of someone special in our lives be comforted to know God cares and will help us endure through his love with comfort and peace. We miss this talented person whom many no doubt respected and admired.
Stephen n Jones
March 11, 2014
I remember a wonderful afternoon with Jim at Storrs,Ct. After reading Yates,his grand tootings, etc. and wondered what had happened to him. Sorry to hear he is gone
; glad to have knon him if only briefly.
StephennJones,Noank,ct.
James Wright
July 15, 2009
In the spring 2000 workshop, Jim convinced me that writing mattered in ways I hadn't imagined. Utterances from the nighttime mind, he called our work, which implied their sincerity, mystery, and lack of finish. I still hear him encouraging and see those arms raised to the ceiling in praise of words written honestly. He taught me to not to over-think these words, not to believe in them, not to live without them.
Bob Foshee
July 11, 2009
As generous as brilliant, a combination that endures.
Linda Simpson
July 10, 2009
My husband & I attended a farm auction on the coldest day in Jan, 2005. The auction crowd consisted of interested buyers and curious neighbors. Amoung the latter were Jim & Mary Ann. Their main interest was to pray, hope, encourage the buyers to keep the farm whole. We must have been guided by the prayers since we purchased the farm down the road from Jim & Mary Ann's beloved home. We continue to care for the farm in our best KY tradition and in this way honor our neighbors.
Harding Ison-Bowman
July 9, 2009
I went to high school in Louisville, where my English teacher Cia White knew James. He came during our poetry unit and workshopped a piece of mine. Afterward, he said 'Harding, I've got this poetry class down at UK, why don't you come find me?'And so I did. Seven years later, the two semesters I took his class before he retired were the highest points of my life in Lexington, and as a writer. I love the story of Jim's life and finding his way. Having known him makes me feel grand. He made me reconsider what praying is, and I miss him dearly. Sometimes during class Jim would abruptly, in the middle of his smile, put on the thousand yard stare with his eyes, point two fingers skyward, and say "Listen..." What happened next was pure magic. Thanks Jim and Mary Ann, my thoughts are with you both.
David Alan Arnold
July 9, 2009
While thinking of writing this and finding it difficult to approach this topic, I remembered one of the early , things Jim guided me with. I had written a letter to him, saying, I had found it difficult, to write him that casual letter, because I felt the pressure of his critique on anything I wrote. He wrote back, starting out with, "David, you having me at the top of something, you are at the bottom of, doesn't do either of us any good". His succinct logic, put that to rest. Now, I need to apply it here, where it is most difficult, especially, when I hold him in such high esteem.
This wonderful person, changed my life, not once, but many times, saying the right thing, at the right time, in the right way. Even, I do not know how much James Baker Hall, changed my life. I quoted him often and referenced in my mind, things he had said or written, when I felt my course needed alignment.
He had the most remarkable, personal, quality, of listening completely to what you were saying, while looking at you with such interested focus, that you felt he was literally, drinking you in. All of this, of course, was the prelude to some honestly, flattening line, that somehow summed up your writing, delivered a verdict on your reading and usually, left you feeling thankful, that he had been, so abrupt and to the point, because ultimately, you had gained knowledge and usually more about yourself, than your poem. I have always been easily able, to clearly hear his smiling response, "Coooooommmme, Onnnnnnn!, echoing through my brain, as some sort of line drawn in the sand, defining what was reasonable, from what was not! I only now, know, that it is his belief in me and my writing, that gives me the confidence to write, even today.
Jim quoted C. S. Lewis, in a epigraph to one of his poems and it seems appropriate here, “We do not truly see light, we only see slower things lit by it, so that for us light is on the edge--the last thing we know before things become too swift ...”
I believe Jim, has become too swift, for us ...
> Salut Maestro, I love and miss you,
Martha Wells
July 7, 2009
I studied poetry and fiction with Jim in the 1980's at U.K. Classes began @ 3:30, that's when we started drinking red wine in plastic cups. Sometimes, by 5:30, my head was on the desk. I loved his instruction, his sincerety, his wit and his voice. Mary Ann, I'm so, so sorry for this ending. Let beautiful memories quide you to a healing place. I have a hawk bell for you. Peace
July 3, 2009
I took Jim's creative writing class in the fall of 1973. He taught the class in his second floor apartment on High Street. He served wine in plastic cups. I later took two more of his classes. He wrote a law school recommendation for me.
Jim always took pains to encourage me. He always found something positive to say about my work, regardless... He inspired me to write and he preserved my confidence that I could. For this, I've always been grateful.
I ran into Jim at the High Street YMCA a few years or so back. As he was walking up, he had one hand in a hip pocket of his jeans. Always the teacher, he asked me about my latest writing project and then listened patiently while I went on too long about it.
I had hoped to run into him again someday.
Jim Decker, Lexington, Kentucky
Ashley Ahrens Flynn
July 2, 2009
I was so sorry to hear the sad news about my favorite college professor. I'll never forget him sitting with me in the hallway before class encouraging me to open up and become more raw in my writing. By the end of the semester, he had all of us writing pieces that moved the others to tears on a weekly basis. And then we'd follow class with a beer at the local bar. What a great teacher and wonderful man. I'll never forget him, and I know that he will be missed.
Betty Jo (Shaw) Burns
June 30, 2009
I knew Jimmy WAY BACK in the late 40s and early 50s. He was as nice then as it seems he was all his life.
Kelli McAllister Bailey
June 30, 2009
Jim was advisor to my Master's thesis and my poetry and creative writing teacher at UK in the early nineties. I feel richly blessed to have known him and to have been his student.
In addition to a great artist, what a wonderful human being he was! He taught me to remember the important things in life, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.
June 30, 2009
I met James when my band fronted a poetry reading he and his wife gave at Fauntleroy's Cafe in Lexington a couple of years ago. I had never met him, but after we finished playing, he got up, came over to me and gave me a warm bear hug. He complimented my songs and told me to never stop writing. I haven't, and I won't. What a wonderful, gracious man, and how kind he was that night to an insecure songwriter. I'll never forget him.
Lyn Hacker
June 30, 2009
I met James when my band fronted a poetry reading he and his wife gave at Fauntleroy's Cafe in Lexington a couple of years ago. I had never met him, but after we finished playing, he got up, came over to me and gave me a warm bear hug. He complimented my songs and told me to never stop writing. I haven't, and I won't. What a wonderful, gracious man, and how kind he was that night to an insecure songwriter. I'll never forget him.
Jennifer Johnson Armstrong
June 29, 2009
Jim was the best professor I had in my years at the University of Kentucky. He was an incredible person: what a brilliant light he brought to the world! He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May wonderful and warm memories bring you peace
Amy Yuda
June 29, 2009
There are certain teachers you will never forget, and Jim was one of those for me. I think because he was so much more than just a teacher. He probably believed in me more than I will ever believe in myself.
Laura Lee Cundiff
June 29, 2009
He was a truly delightful person and I am glad to have met him. I loved discussing his unique "point-and-shake" method of photography with him.
Naomi & Michael Nye
June 29, 2009
James Baker Hall -- what a precious, powerful human being. A beacon of kindness. Funny, totally authentic. We felt very honored to know him even from a distance and will always read his amazing work and view his haunting images with gratitude. Mary Ann, our love & sympathy to you.
Brian Weinberg
June 29, 2009
I'll always remember Jim in his Mazda RX-7, windows down, manuscript pages blowing around in the back. Also, at the downtown YMCA, where he worked out in jeans.
James Rhem
June 29, 2009
My sincere condolences on hearing of Jim's death. He was very helpful to me in the writing of my book on Ralph Eugene Meatyard and I appreciated that very much. He was a thoughtful gentleman to me in every way.
Rachel Hale Drew
June 29, 2009
I was a student of Jim's in the mid nineties. I've been blessed with a lot of amazing writing teachers, but none ever touched me quite like Jim. His soul was visible from the outside. I'll miss him. Condolences to his family.
Jason McDonald
June 28, 2009
Jim's teaching changed my life and I will forever be grateful. My condolences to Mary Ann and family.
Lynne Byall Benson
June 28, 2009
I was a student in Jim's first writing class when he returned to UK and Lexington in 1973. I cannot believe he is gone. I loved him, and his friendship was one of the blessings in my life.
Much love to you Mary Ann, with hugs and thoughts
Julie Fain
June 28, 2009
The Coolest Man on the Planet. That is what a few of us former students called Jim. He was not only an amazing teacher, but a dear friend. He taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin and insisted that I dig deeper and find the truth in my writing. Those are the greatest gifts I've ever received. Jim is the father I always wished I had and he will missed beyond measure.
Eric Roth
June 27, 2009
Jim, you will always mean so much to me. You are by far the best teacher I ever had. You lifted me spiritually when I was a confused young adult in college. You inspired me to express my deepest feelings through photography. You gave me a love for photography that has sustained my very existence. I love the art today more than ever and have made it my life, with your encouragement. To this day I tell everybody I work with how proud I am to have known you and experience the warmth of your friendship. I'm glad we kept in touch for 35 years after my graduation from UConn and I could keep learning from you. You have the most creative energy of anybody I have ever known, endlessly, indefatigably creative, and always searching, seeking a deeper depth of expression to explore. You will always mean so much to me.
Georgia Wallace
June 27, 2009
Our deeptest sympathy Mary Ann and family. We will always remember his wise guidance, his wit and his continued support of the writing endeavors of Green River Writers.
June 27, 2009
Mary Ann,So sorry for your loss.Was always proud to have you for neighbors at the farm. Great works by great people. Brenda Giles
Jorn Otte
June 27, 2009
Jim was my friend, and I love him. He was the first teacher to open my mind, loosen my tongue, and free me from myself. I will miss him very much.
Bob & Edith Stamper
June 27, 2009
We are so sad to learn of the death of James Hall. God comfort his family. I only saw him once after high school, but was always a fan of James. We remember James as a good student and a good basketball player. We’ve often talked about how good our teachers were in the Lexington Schools. I believe James took all of that training and expanded the same to his students. God Bless the family, friends, & students of James Baker Hall.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 ( KJV)
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Bob & Edith Stamper
Lexington, KY
Larry & Linda Florence
June 26, 2009
James Baker Hall - A true man of the world. He wrote and photographed with a eye different than a mere mortal. But displayed it so that we might understand. RIP, Jim. Our sympathy, Mary Ann.
Barbara Burch
June 26, 2009
Jim was an amazing teacher and friend. I am sure that his hundreds of devoted students will be broken-hearted over this news. Rest in Peace JBH.
Julie Sloan
June 26, 2009
So sorry Mary Ann. You're in our thoughts.
- Bob & Julie
Troy Teegarden
June 26, 2009
Jim was, and will remain, an amazing man.
Filly Tierney
June 26, 2009
Indeed, James Baker Hall is truly one of Kentucky's treasures. Our loss is heaven’s gain. My husband and I fell in love with his words at the same time we fell in love with Scott County. And, he introduced us to Wendell Berry. My heart goes out to Mary Ann and the rest of the family. We shall miss you, James Baker Hall, and shall keep saving mountain-tops for you. Bliss & Blessings!
Betsy Packard
June 26, 2009
He touched so many lives with his writing and his teaching. We've lost a treasure.
Lonormi Odum Manuel
June 26, 2009
I will never forget you or your classes. You taught me that good editing is just as important as good writing, and for that I am forever grateful. I hope wherever in the Hereafter you are, there's a circle of writers, a gallon of wine, and plenty of plastic cups to go around.
Charles Semones
June 26, 2009
Of all the Kentucky writers I have met, Jim Hall was truly a prince among men--one of the kindest, dearest persons one could possibly know. I feel honored to have had some brief contact with him and to have been the benefactor of the inspiration he provided so generously. There was not a selfish bone in his body. He shared his expertise in writing and his knowledge in general--knowledge in a multitude of subject areas, I might add. It is no wonder that he had a profound effect on the students who sat under his tutelage for many years at various universities, the University of Kentucky being the last one that I am aware of.
My sincere sympathy goes out to his widow, Mary Ann Taylor-Hall, and his sons and grandchildren as well as the many close friends who loved him and whom he nurtured in a thousand ways.
Cecilia Woloch
June 26, 2009
How well-loved Jim was in this world, and how much he'll be missed. I count myself blessed to have known him, and count us all blessed to have the work he's left behind.
Allison Hedge Coke
June 25, 2009
Peace.
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