James Hall

James Whitney Hall departed this world peacefully on the sunny afternoon of March 31, 2025, after 85 years of life. He was born in hard-hittin New Britain, Connecticut. His love for the outdoors started early when he and his friends would venture out of New Britian on foot to go camping, exploring, fishing, and hunting in the many wooded areas of the surrounding towns, much of which has been developed since. Various jobs such as working underage for the railroad and cutting tobacco allowed him freedom from his Park Street roots and many years later, he was proud to eventually call Wethersfield his home. He would repeatedly say the phrase "work hard, play hard" and he did a good job of applying that belief to his entire life. Jim graduated from E.C. Goodwin Tech in New Britian in 1957. From early on he was tinkering with cars and even built one with friends in a junkyard and drove it home. His hometown became too small. He enlisted in the army at age 17 and was stationed in Germany for three years while in the 7th Army, 984th Engineers. He was known for his skills in hot rodding the military vehicles he worked on and finding a good time. Upon returning to the states, he chose law enforcement as a career and became a Connecticut State Trooper in 1962. He lived the adventures and drama of trooper life on the winding roads and narrow highways all over the state. During that time, he met his wife, Carol, at a fellow trooper's wedding. After a few years and with a son on the way he then became a U.S. Treasury Agent until retirement. After retirement he worked Security for St. Joseph College in West Hartford and as a driver for ADVO in Hartford. He was old school and provided for the family. Throughout his entire life one constant remained, his passion for hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He enjoyed sharing that passion with others. Vermont became a special getaway for him and his family. A few friends who visited the Hall house in Vermont became inspired to purchase their own green mountain retreats. He was a life member of the Wethersfield Game Club. Hunting with his dog was his favorite. His shooting skills led to many a pheasant, deer, duck, and more meeting their fate. Fishing was also important to him as well. Honestly for Jim, just "getting out there" was usually good enough. He enjoyed sharing many stories during fireside chats, hunting camp and holiday gatherings that couldn't be made up. Stories and laughs were often enjoyed with some bourbon or beer for good measure. Later years brought enjoyment of State Police Alumni events, travel, watching his wife and son live life, and knowing that every day he felt the sun hit his skin was a good one. He will be missed by many. Jim was predeceased by his wife Carol Hall, his parents Ruth and Whitney Hall, his younger brother Michael Hall, and his older sister Lucille. He is survived by his son, Christopher and his daughter-in-law Katalin, two niece-in-laws, two nephew-in-laws, a few long-lost cousins and his best friend of almost 80 years, Joe Wankerl. Friends and relatives are invited to call on Jim's family on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Committal Service and burial will be held the following afternoon, Monday, April 7, 2025, at 12 Noon in Village Cemetery, 1 Marsh Street, Wethersfield. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit FarleySullivan.com.