James Robert Hale lived a full 98 years, embracing each and every day. Born in Flynn, Washington on September 2, 1918 to J.D. and Eliza Hale, he grew up there, went to school in Mineral, and graduated from Morton High School in 1936. Jim died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 10 after a sudden illness. He is survived by his son, Timothy Hale (Ellen) and his daughters Glorya Sabin (Jimmy), Sally Bronow (Tim) and Jill MacNeil (Alex), and a sister, Marie Sherard (Ted). Also two of Edith's children, Pam Holzemer (Mark) and Jon Fotheringill (Barbara) and numerous grand and great grand children. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Velma in 1982, and his second wife, Edith in 2013. Also his parents, J.D. and Eliza Hale, brother Marcus, sisters Verna Bevan, Mabel Compton, Anna Lee Hale and Edith's son Jim. In 1943 Jim joined the Navy during WWll and was radioman on the landing craft infantry ship LCI (G) 455. The armistice was signed on his 27th birthday. Friendships were forged while out in the Pacific, far from home. The LCI Association had regular reunions that Jim attended through the years. Jim worked for others as well as himself. He worked for the forest service and spent three seasons as a fire lookout on High Rock. This is where he brought his bride, Velma Vanderpool, for their honeymoon. They were married March 11, 1939. In succession, he owned a grocery store, gas station and print shop in Tacoma. He became a litho photographer and worked at a newspaper in Kent, Washington. He retired from there in 1973 and moved to his Christmas tree farm, Hale Plantation, in Mineral, Washington. He enjoyed having people come and make the farm part of their Christmas tradition. Velma passed away in 1982 after 43 years of marriage. Jim married Edith Fotheringill in 1983 and they traveled the world and also gambled with friends during their 29 years of marriage. Vegas, Reno and Laughlin were favorite destinations to play the slots. $12,523 was the biggest jackpot. He worked with the Lions Club in Mineral for years, helping with the campground, was a member of the American Legion, Storm King Post 171, commissioner of the Mineral Cemetery and belonged to the Loyal Order of Moose in Morton. Jim was always working to help improve the quality of life for friends and neighbors. The list of good deeds is long and the proof is in the plaques on the walls of his home, photos in albums, medals from the war and the stories people share about how he tried to do the right thing, be a good man, live a good life. Jim filled each day with a passion for family, friends, good times and great memories! To honor his wishes, a private service was held for family on Thursday, September 15th at the Mineral Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life, open to all, at 1:00 PM in the Mineral School gymnasium in Mineral. Pastor Kathy Johnstone, officiating, Mineral Presbyterian Church. Memorial Contributions in Jim's name: Loyal Order of Moose in Morton or Hope for Little Hearts.
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