James Thomas Hale

James Thomas (Jim) Hale passed away at Lakewood Medical Center on January 23, 2018 after a brief illness. He was 97 ½ years old. Jim is survived by his sister Shirley Galyon of Chicago Illinois; his sons, Richard Allen Hale (Janet) of Houston Texas, and Tommy Edgar Hale of Long Beach, California; and his grandson, Brandon Thomas Hale of Long Beach, California. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Melberta Hale; his parents Edgar Thomas Hale and Jennie (Plunk) Hale; and seven siblings, Loyce, Verdell, Exie, Dexter, George, Vivian, and Edgar Hale.

Jim (known to family members as JT) was born on June 27, 1920 in Holcomb Missouri to Edgar Thomas Hale and Jennie (Plunk) Hale. He graduated from Holcomb High School in 1938. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 where he served until 1945. Jim was a World War II Veteran and served as an anti-aircraft gunner and squad leader in General Patton's Third Army, participating in the Battle of the Bulge.

Jim married Virginia Miller in 1946, a union that lasted 61 years until her death on January 7, 2006. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Tennessee and, in 1955, to Lakewood California where Jim and Virginia continued to reside until their death. Jim was employed by Washington National Insurance Company, retiring in 1979. Jim and Virginia had two sons, Richard and Tom, who both served in Viet Nam, earned advanced degrees while working, and have had long successful careers. Jim's only grandchild, Brandon, has earned degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the McGeorge School of Law. Brandon also enjoys working in music production. The value of work and service did not fall far from the tree.

Jim was a hard-working member of the "greatest generation," often working multiple jobs, even post retirement. Jim was gregarious and kind, and someone who never met a stranger. He was an avid golfer up until his early nineties and gladly worked as a Marshall at Old Ranch Country Club. Jim never complained (except when Rick and Tom messed up!), and always placed others first. He helped his friends and neighbors and was the linchpin holding the family together. He is missed.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb.8, 2018 from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Serenity Room at Forest Lawn Cypress (4471 Lincoln Ave, Cypress CA, 90630). A Memorial service will follow at 2 PM at the Church of our Fathers, Forest Lawn, Cypress, followed by interment in the Garden of Protection. Pastor Mike Larsen will preside. Memorial Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.