James A. "Jim" Hale

We share, with great sadness, the passing of our brother Jim Hale, who left us on July 21, 2025.

Jim is the son of Joe Hale and Mary (Schlotterbeck) Hale and is survived by his sisters Joan (Richard) Lile, Janet Kent, nephews Richard Lile II, David Lile, Mark (Kerri) Earls, Daniel Earls and great-nieces and -nephews Kyla Wagner, Dylan Lile, Katie Lile, Emily Lile, Phoebe Neville, Cynthia Earls, Annelise Earls, Hannah Earls, and Elliott Earls. Niece Janel Earls preceded Jim in death.

Jim was a 1975 graduate of Roncalli High School and studied photography at Ball State University. He was a talented professional photographer, working for the LaPorte Herald, United Press International, the Indiana National Guard, and commercial photography studios. He photographed three US presidents and many Indianapolis 500s. His work received numerous awards including from the Associated Press, UPI, and the Hoosier State Press Association, though we cherish most of his photographs of our family members. Jim, as a youth, was a member and altar server at Holy Name Church in Beech Grove and was active in Scouting.

We remember Jim as a wonderful uncle. Janel called him "Uncle Mimmi," and with brothers Daniel and Mark, created funny videos called the "Arsenio Earls Show" based on the old "Arsenio Hall Show," featuring Jim as the "host." 

Visitation will be Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, with service at 11:00 AM, in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 435 West Troy Avenue, Indianapolis. Memorial donations may be directed to Rosie's Southside Animal Shelter in Indianapolis.