James Edward Hall Sr.

Life Reflections “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at the day…” (II Timothy 4:7-8) James Edward Hall Sr., of Salisbury, MD, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who was affectionately known as “Jim” and “James Edward” and lovingly called Daddy, Pop Pop, and Poppie was called to his eternal rest to be with the Lord on Tuesday April 27, 2021 at his home in Salisbury, MD after a lengthy illness which resulted in numerous triumphant recoveries which was a strong testament of his will to live. He was born on January 12, 1937 in the small community of Oaksville outside of Princess Anne, MD. The second oldest child born to the late Milton Washington Hall and Dorothy Corbin Hall. With his parents, James received his early Christian education training at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Oaksville. He attended Somerset Junior/Senior High School in Princess Anne and had the honor of being in the first graduating class in 1955. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) On April 4, 1958, James married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Leona Mason. Married for 63 years, their marriage & love stood the test of time and because of their love and commitment to each other, together they share a legacy of six children, ten grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and a host of friends simply known as “family”. James wasn’t one to sit still and his work career exemplified that. After working for Campbell Soup, Delaney Foods, Jim was employed for 40 years at Dresser Wayne where he retired as the Warehouse Supervisor. James went back to work, six weeks later at the Salisbury Landfill for 10 more years until he permanently retired to spend more time with his family and friends. James had several life-long passions such as rabbit hunting, bowling, basketball, and coaching baseball & softball. His enthusiasm for softball lead to his dedication to coaching the J.V. Wells Women’s Fast Pitch Softball team for 20 years and regularly winning championships. James was a committed member of the Oaksville Community Club and a pillar in the revitalization efforts of the ballpark. In 2013, James had the elite honor of receiving the Governor’s Citation for his dedication to baseball and was inducted into the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame, which is currently located at the Shorebirds Stadium in Salisbury, MD. This devotion to baseball continued with his passionate support of his beloved Baltimore Orioles. He was there for his team through thick and thin, win or lose, Coach Showalter or no Showalter, that was his team. During football season he also enjoyed watching the Baltimore Ravens. Jim frequently loved debating with his sons and sons-in-law, or just anyone that would listen, about the variety of sports that would grace his television screen. He also delighted in the frequent visitors to his home, announced or unannounced, especially from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was a saying when visiting his home “If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault”. Like, his father, he always wanted visitors to feel at home and to have anything that was there. In his younger years he relished taking his children and grandchildren to the horse races on the weekends and teaching the boys how to drive around the neighborhood. He also took immense pleasure in caring for and running his beagles or “rabbit dogs” with his many hunting buddies. To know Jim was to love Jim. From his smile to his way of giving directions to answering the phone “Yellow” instead of “Hello”. He had a way of connecting with everyone in his own special way. His smile was not only beautiful, it was also infectious. He cared about his family first but was also quick to make sure everyone was comfortable in his presence. He was a light that never dimmed and still remains bright today. He shines on through each of us as we tell his stories and share his memories. His one wish was to not be forgotten. A promise that we will all keep in our hearts, because how could we ever forget such a beautiful spirit. “Blessed are those that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Leona, four daughters, Annette (Richard) Lagana of Upper Marlboro, MD, Joyce (Michael) Farrare of Salisbury, MD, Grace Hall of Owings Mills, MD, and Yvette (Ricky) Holt of Baltimore, MD, son James (Deborah) Hall, Jr of Salisbury, MD, brother Eldon (Diedra) Hall of Upper Marlboro, MD, sister Viola Mason of Upper Marlboro, MD, sister-in-law Peggy (Clark) Wallace Miles, brother-in-law Louis (Glenda) Mason, and special cousin Rodulia (Rossie) Sutton, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Preceding him in death are his son Donald Hall, brothers Clifton Hall and Darnell Hall, and sister E. Alverta Hall-Jones.

James Edward Hall Sr.

January 12, 1937 - April 27, 2021