John M. Hall, Jr.

This man was my history teacher at Girard in the 60s and I still remember him. Think that says it all!

John Hall was & is one of the finest men I have ever known. John was my fly fishing mentor and shared his knowledge & life experiences with me from his heart. We have had some wonderful times together and we have both laughed so hard we’ve cried but I’m the one crying now because we have lost a wonderful friend. John was with me after I lost my dad and he told me he always thanked his dad for his first catch of day - now I’ll thank my dad for the first and thank John for the second one. Kathy & I pray that you’re catching fish brother with your dad and you will be forever in our hearts. Our prayers go out to Colleen and the family.

I am so sorry for your loss Colleen. May God always be with you

I have great memories of our ninth grade year when John and I would go out in the woods after school with our eighth grade girlfriends (you know who you are !), smoke cigarettes and fraternize. It was a great alternative to playing in the band or on a sports team, but you couldn't get a letter for it back then.

John was such a wit - he could skewer you and your sense of self-importance in a heartbeat - and his girlfriend was just as clever. Elkin was a pretty target rich environment in those days, and I always felt like I was barely even a challenge for him.

I regret that I rarely ever saw John after that. He was one of a kind.

John was like a brother to me and we had so many good times together. At one time when we were younger we were roommates and we shared so many good times together. We camped, canoed, played golf and had legendary parties. John taught me how to fly fish for trout. He was a great friend and one of the kindest people I have ever know. He had a sharp wit and he was a master at sarcasm. But beneath all that gruff and sarcasm was a smart, kind and gentle man. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Rest in peace my friend.

Regretfully John and I did not keep in touch over the years. However, I have the best of memories of John while at EHS. John could always be counted on for a kind word and keen observation. Delighted to learn that he was such a successful trout fisherman and artist/administrator. Tight lines.

John was always sweet, funny and such a good friend. Sending love to the family.

John was a wonderful friend. The picture of him and Colleen is still on my phone.

John was one of the sharpest, funniest people I have ever known. Now fishing in a river of his choice. Bless him.

Collean, so sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know John personally, the name was familiar growing up in a family of Chatham employees, where his Dad was company doctor. One of the joys of returning to Boonville was the Uper Room SS Class with you and Bonnie. Allean and I send sincere condolences.