James Robert Hale lived a full 98 years, embracing each and every day. He was born in Flynn, Wash., Sept. 2, 1918, to J.D. and Eliza Hale. Jim grew up there and went to school in Mineral and graduated from Morton High School in 1936. He died peacefully at home Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, after a sudden illness.
He is survived by his son, Timothy Hale (Ellen); daughters, Glorya Sabin (Jimmy), Sally Bronow (Tim) and Jill MacNeil (Alex); sister, Marie Sherard (Ted); two of Edith’s children, Pam Holzemer (Mark) and Jon Fotheringill (Barbara); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Velma in 1982; his second wife, Edith in 2013; Also his parents, J.D. and Eliza Hale; brother, Marcus; sisters, Verna Bevan, Mabel Compton and Anna Lee Hale; and Edith’s son, Jim.
In 1943, Jim joined the U.S. 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 throughout the years.
He worked for others as well as himself. Jim worked for the US 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. Jim became a litho photographer and worked at a newspaper in Kent, Wash. He retired from there in 1973 and moved to his Christmas tree farm, Hale Plantation, in Mineral, Wash. Jim enjoyed having people come and make the farm part of their Christmas tradition.
Velma passed away in 1982 after 43 years of marriage. Jim then 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. He 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 will be held for family Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at the Mineral Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life, open to all, at 1 p.m., 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.
