James M. Hall
July 2, 1941 ~ December 25, 2016
James Meron Hall, 75, of New Braunfels, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25th in New Braunfels, Texas. Born on July 2, 1941 in Fresno, California, he was the son of the late Banty and Alice Hall.
"Big Jim", as he was known, went to high school in Stuart Oklahoma where he loved playing baseball. Following high school he went to spring training with the Baltimore Orioles. Played in the minors for several years. Later he decided to join the Army.
Following a tour in Korea, he found himself in flight school in Mineral Wells, Texas and then Fort Rucker, Alabama. Although he flew many aircraft through out his life, he was most proud of his time in the UH-1 Huey, where he logged over 5, 000 pilot hours.
After a tour in Vietnam, he was stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska for three years before he left the Army and worked as a police officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department. Jim later worked for the Santa Fe Railroad before returning to the Army. It was during flight training in Virginia that he met and fell in love with a beautiful British lady named Patricia. They were married on September 17, 1976. Jim later retired from the Army after 14 years with the rank of Major.
Following his retirement, Jim worked as a crash investigator with the Federal Aviation Administration for eight years. Jim then went back to flying as a helicopter pilot for Air-Evac for five years. Jim was happiest when he was flying - if it had wings, he could fly it.
Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Hall; children, Vicki Avon and her husband Richard, and Christopher Darus and his wife Jolline; grandchildren, Kaleb Stonebraker and his wife Christina, and Kelsey Stonebraker; and great-grandson, Darin Stonebraker; his sister Janice Zachary; his brother Butch Hall and wife, Cindy; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a step son, Kevin Darus.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Delta Pet Partners of San Antonio at www.deltappsa.com. in recognition of Jim's love for his dogs.
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Dear Pat, Vicki and family, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a real Southern gentleman. I can remember when you guys stayed with us and he told us stories of his military career, we would be cracking up at some of those tales, he was so funny. He no longer is in pain, and for that we must all be grateful, but he will be missed so much by all those who knew him. R.I.P. Much love, Jean and Pete
The pride of the “Stuart Hornets”… A giant, both in stature and satire. He could make a baseball move magically in any direction, could take a event with potential and make it book/movie worthy. As far as I know, the first pilot to fly his chopper inverted, all of this while being shot at and 5+ inches too tall for pilot qualification. He was a STUD!!! Jim, your Mother’s family, including Holly, Dewey Jr. And myself will miss you immensely!!! RIP my BROTHER.
Dear Pat and Vicki; I always loved to see Jim when he was in town. He was such a good story teller. As a child I couldn’t get enough of his Donald Duck imitation (any story or song was funnier in Donald Duck’s voice – I was trying to sing Jim’s rendition of Jingle Bells a la Donald Duck last week). And his amazing magic tricks… time with Cousin Jim was pure entertainment. I will never forget my first meal at a Mexican restaurant (Jim’s choice) – he brought his tiny baby, Vicki, to introduce to us. Vicki was such a quiet baby (imagine that in our family) that I thought it was another of his magic tricks. Most of all, I loved his kindness. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. I don’t know how often he was in Oklahoma City, but he often stopped by to visit my parents (Aunt Lois and Uncle Dewey) and would call ahead so that Aunt Lois could round up all the available troops for an afternoon/evening of stories and laughter. I imagine heaven is a funnier place, now. Peace and rest to you, Jim.
Dear Ms. Pat and Vicki, Since we had several Jims in our neighborhood, we started calling him “Big Jim”. I was one of a few neighbors that could stand toe to toe and still be able to look him straight into his kind eyes. Everyone that knew James Hall at 6’5″ new he deserved to be called “Big Jim”, because he was larger than life. With all of my medical issues, “Big Jim” was always at the hospital checking on me and at times he would sit with Jodie in the surgery waiting room. We always looked forward seeing “Big Jim” during his morning and evening walks with the dogs. He would always stop to visit with us. He always enjoyed his coffee. We both will always honor his Friendship and we will miss his smile. “Big Jim” was truly a Wonderful Friend! Love Ron and Jodie Tate
Pat & Vickie: as a friend & fellow veteran, Mr. Jim was a humble man, a person one could look up to: both literally & figuratively. I truly enjoyed my walks and talks with him, and he often slowed his pace so I could keep up with him. He was kind to our dogs – always a good sign, and honest. I greatly respected his courage in military aviation, for who could not respect the pilots of the primitive rotary wing UH-1 (Huey or Slick) who flew the bird (often without armament) in combat under ground fire from enemy soldiers practically every day of their tour of duty? Mr. Jim’s passing left a hole in my life and I will miss him more than I can say. I hope Heaven has a “Slick” for Mr. Jim to tinker with and fly. God Bless Jim, Pat & Vicki. God Bless Our Troops & God Bless America.
Pat and Vicki-Jim was a big part of our lives for 40 years. He and I first met in Alaska in the early 70s-both of us US Army pilots. Several years later we met again in Little Rock, Arkansas and we began a thirty five year work and personal relationship that was magic. He and I transferred together so that we could continue to work and fly together. We always had each other’s back. Our families were very close. We all loved Jim, Pat, Kevin and Vicki. The months Kevin lived with us prior to him entering the Army bring us many fond humorous memories. My daughtervfondly remembers him teaching her to play darts. She would tell him he had an unfair advantage because with his height and arm length he was halfway to the board! What wonderful shared memories we have! My brothers would hear the Halls were coming to visit and the next thing you knew my brothers would come down from north LA to share stories! We will miss him as long as we are here. What a void his absence will leave. Someday we will see him again.
He was a man of the air, I know this. I had the privilege of serving in Alaska with Jim after we had our tours in Vietnam. we not only enjoyed our time in the air together, we had a ball with each other on the ground too. some of our greatest times were the endless card games, the unique Alaskan parties and our time in the beautiful wildness that IS Alaska. As young 20 somethings, it was a joyous time in our lives. Even back then, Jim and I tried our best to be goofier than the other. But the best of him was his his strong character and a ‘genuine’ quality about him that caused me to know… we would be friends forever… Rest in peace brother, Ron
I did not know Jim personally, however I do know his daughter Vicki and her children and grandchildren through knowing her mother, Gale. I feel as though I know them all very well. Vicki, I know the grief you’re feeling in the loss of one of your parents, as your mother has raised you to be a very loving, caring and loyal daughter. Please accept my condolences in your loss and know that I’m praying for you in the difficult days ahead. Remember that even though your earthly father is now gone, your Heavenly Father will always be by your side.
We met Jim about five years ago when we first moved to New Braunfels. Jim and Pat would be walking their two pet dogs Mary and Sparkey and I would be walking our dog Toby, Jim always had time to pick up Toby and pet him and talk to him and Toby loved it. Jim and I talked a lot about the military and his flying helicopters and such as we both had been in Korea and Alaska as we had lived near Fort Wainwright where he had been stationed in Alaska. Through our talks Jim learned that I had a disability from the military and talked me into checking it out at the V. A. and because of that I was able to get a compensation for which I am eternally grateful. Jim liked to talk politics and had a quick wit which those of us around the neighborhood enjoyed , we are going to miss that a lot. Pat please know that we realize how difficult of a time you are having and how much you miss him already , we are here to help you in anyway please do not hesitate to call on us. Love Ken and Connie
Our great journey from cradle to grave is measured not by what we took but what we gave. “Big Jim gave his heart to his profession as the Aviator’s Aviator. His passion and love for flight has enhanced the same flames and passions in all of us he touched in Aviation. Jim now gives flight instruction to the Angels (new tricks they have never seen). He is now taking a delightful cross-country with tailwinds to be with his Lord. Jim was prepared for death, He is now climbing at mil power into the clouds and will touch his Maker’s glorious face. As Leonardo Da Vinci said: “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return”. Big Jim has returned Home! Jim was such a great friend, and lit glorious flames in all who knew him – He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my fellow Aviator.
It was by divine providence that our little family lived across the street from the Halls in Cabot Arkansas in 1979. Both military families, we had an instant bond. Pat, Jim and Kevin were our Family that we didn’t have being in the military. They were givers of countless acts of kindness. My two baby girls giggled so hard to hear Big Jim talk like Donald Duck, and take them on elevator rides. They each referred to Pat as “my Pat”. and Jim as “Big Jim”. I can’t imagine Big Jim and Pat not being there for us, at that time. Through out our lives we had many good times. Once friends with Pat and Jm, meant they were friends forever. They were great at keeping in touch as we both moved around the country. Jim had a knack for knowing what people needed and making them happy. He could brighten any bad day. We loved his Southern gentleman drawl and his stories. He took us for an airplane ride, but we never feared with Big Jim at the controls. One day, with my husband overseas, a tornado headed straight for our town. My 2 little girls and I headed for safety to be with Pat and Jim. Jim knew everything about weather and some how, we were on a grand adventure of adverting the storm, which we did without any drama. To Our Pat, Kevin, Vicki, Chris and Jolline, thank you for sharing your loved ones. We loved Big Jim so very much. He will always be with you, and he will be waiting for you one fine day. May you be blessed with Peace beyond understanding, Love Kathy Sutton
I met Jim when he worked at Little Rock,just before coming to New Iberia.I was impressed with his abilities and his unique personality.An amazing person,I am most pleased to have him and his family as friends.He will be missed very much by Berni and I.
Dear Pat and family, It has been a long time since I met you and Jim in Houston on our summer trip with Leah. Although I have not seen Jim in quite some time, I will always remember our stay in your home and how wonderful and hospitable you both were. I will especially remember Jim’s sense of humor and how he drove us around the sites of Houston. I will also remember the many stories of Jim that Leah shared. He was a great guy who did amazing things. He will be missed. My thoughts and blessings are with you and your family.
I have known Jim and Pat for a number of years and they are like family to me. Jim was in my office at least once a week and often times twice. Jim was always there to lend a hand to a veteran in need whether a ride to an appointment to help with some sort of paperwork, if Jim could help he would. Jim was one of the kindest people I have ever known and he will be missed.
Oh my dear cousin. We have talked twice a week for many, many years. Oh how I love you. Oh how I miss you. I thought I could do this without crying, …. if I waited long enough. NOT. I can hardly see the keys to type. Too many memories to type. I will see you again. I love you and you knew that. That’s all I wanted you to know. To heard your voice, as we talked the night before you went home. I will never forget your voice. You told me that you could always figure things out, but this cancer had you pretty stumped. I told you to go home to see your mom and dad and my dad, John. I thanked you for teaching me how to swim in the old small Stuart pond, when I was 8 years old. And you laughed. I heard you laugh for the last time in my life. (But, I do remember when I was about 30, ….(.I am now 67! ) …you told me the noise of the water ripples in the pond was not the water from the wind, it was “Water Moccasins”! You little Shit! They WERE Water Moccasins”! ) I will love you forever! Cousin Joanie Morgan Salinas Todaro Rest inPeace …. and talk to who ever will listen!
Dear Pat…I’ve delayed this for too long and I’m not sure you’re still checking the “guestbook”, but I just really want you to know how I’ll miss seeing Jim in the neighborhood. My dogs (Shadow, the labradoodle, and Molly, the Griffon) always look forward to greeting the other dogs on our walks…the side effect is I get to visit with the walkers! We will miss Jim in many ways. I know it’s only slowly getting easier, but we’re there with you in thoughts and prayers.