James Henry HALE Jr.

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Hampton University

James HALE Obituary

James H. Hale Jr., 92, a Roanoke native son, passed away on May 30, 2012. He was born to the late James H. Hale Sr. and Esther Hill Towler. He studied Industrial Arts and graduated from Hampton Institute. There he met and married Ruby L. Turner in 1943 just before serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II.
He resided in Hampton most of his adult life, and he retired from the Newport News, Va., Public Schools after a 30-year teaching career.
After 69 years of marriage, his wife, Ruby, preceded him in death by seven (7) days. Also, James is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Sonny Nathaniel Hale.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Hale; and his sister, E. Antoinette Hale, both of Roanoke; his children, L. Vincent Hale (Deborah), of Hampton, and Marsha A. Brown (Richard), of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren, Vincent A. Hale (Keara), Bryan A. Hale (Joyce), and Lena S. Hale; two great-grandchildren, Austin and Sydney Hale; as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
A private Graveside Memorial Service is planned for June 16, 2012. Final arrangements are entrusted to Smith Brothers Funeral Home, Hampton, Va. In lieu of flowers, send donations to The National Hampton Alumni Association, Hampton University, VA 23668. More information on James' Memorial Website WWW.JIMSAI.COM. We encourage you to add your comments.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jun. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for James HALE

12 Entries

Bob Owens

June 27, 2012

I am so sad to hear of Jim and Ruby's passing. I didn't know Ruby very well, but she was a grand lady. Jimsai was my mentor when I entered the world of bonsai back in 1993. I credit him with the enthusiasm that I still hold for the art. At the time I met Jim he was the President of the Peninsula Bonsai Society. He taught me well and handed the reins of the PBS over to me in 1996 and I continued as their president for 12 years. Jim would be proud to see that the PBS continues, thanks to his teachings and the values that he instilled in us.
My prayers are with the Hale family, may God bless you all, you were so blessed to have these two wonderful people in your family.

Harry Freeman

June 18, 2012

Even being so far away, I have always felt very close to these wonderful people and will sorely miss their "Being there".

Mrs.L.G. Turner & Family

June 13, 2012

Sorry to hear of your loss, but May God Bless and keep the Hale family strong during this time of bereavement.

Daisy Johnson

June 11, 2012

I am a former Huntington High School student. sorry for the loss of Mr. and Mrs. James Hale.

Willard (WL) Anderson

June 11, 2012

May God look after his nwcomers, as He did while they were with us. I know now that they are in His arms. I will miss seeing them when I come to Hampton. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
W.L. Anderson & Family Sacramnto, CA.

Stella Grant

June 11, 2012

My condolences to the Hale family at the loss of your father, grandfather and brother. I'd not seen James for awhile but remember how very kind he was. I've know the Hales of Roanoke most of my life and always appreciated how talented and intelligent they were. Nathaniel(Bey) Hale was a special friend of my family. I hope the memories from the past will help sustain you during this painful time. May God bless you all.

Joy & Neicey Hill

June 11, 2012

Our deepest condolences to the Hale family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the fond memories of your love ones bring you comfort and may God be with you during this difficult time.

Jeanne Winstead

June 11, 2012

I did not know the Hales but I wish that I did. This is how we are supposed to live our lives with the short amount of time we have on earth. Something tells me that they got back as much as they gave. How proud you must be of them. I'm sorry for your loss--happy for your great fortune of having Jim and Ruby in your family tree. Sincerely, Jeanne Winstead

kim jonesnewport news

June 10, 2012

LOVE is a powerful thing. Think of the LOVE Christ showed by giving his life for us all.

Annette Crawley

June 10, 2012

Mr.Hale was such a gentleman and cool teacher. May the famiy be blesed and know that they will be lookig down on you from heaven.

Gary Winship

June 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bill Dancy

June 10, 2012

I first met the Hales about 15 years ago when I had inquired about searching one of their old properties with a metal detector. Ruby became very interested in my hobby and we talked quite a few times. And I really looked forward to her well written and witty emails she would send from time to time, and still have some of them saved. She was a very intelligent lady for sure. I visited with her and Jim on several occasions and brought pictures and actual relics I had found for her to check out. She loved doing that and always had an appreciation for me sharing those with her. She also shared her love of family genealogy with me and I was quite impressed with her work. I didn't get to know Jim quite as well, but the thing I remember most was his love for bonsai trees. Unfortunately, I had been out of contact with them for a while due to having moved to Smithfield, but I'll always remember their kindness and friendliness and will miss the both of them dearly. My condolences to the families for their losses, and may the Lord provide comfort for all in these difficult times.

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