1922 – 2012
Putnam – Dr. James W. Hall, Jr., 89, of Ballou St., went to a better place on Monday, August 27, 2012. He was the loving husband of Patricia Shaw. They were married on April 1, 1944 in South Augusta, North Carolina. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late James W. Hall, Sr. and Blanche (Wood) Hall.
Dr. Hall was an optometrist for 47 years in Putnam, practicing first with his father and then independently, retiring` in February of 1994. Dr. Hall was also a Mason for over 60 years. He graduated from Putnam High School, Illinois College of Optometry, and the Gesell Institute of Child Development at Yale New Haven.
Dr. Hall was a United States Army Veteran of WWII having served in the 11th Army Airways Communication System. He served in Italy and North Africa and then was honorably discharged on March 11, 1946. He was a member of American Legion Post 13 and LFUMC, Living Faith United Methodist Church (formerly Putnam Methodist Church). He was a Sunday School Teacher and later a Sunday School Superintendent. Dr. Hall was also a Lay Leader and was instrumental in building the Education Building on the Church property.
He was active in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 25 in his youth and then went on to become an assistant Scout Master to Ken Gunsales for many years, eventually becoming a Scout Master.
Dr. Hall collected antique cars and planes. He had a commercial pilot’s license with an instrument flight instructor’s certificate. He taught many people in the area to fly.
In addition to his wife, Dr. Hall is survived by his sons, Dr. James Hall, III and his wife Missy of St. Augustine, FL, and Russell Hall and his wife Nanci of Thompson; his daughters Tamara Hall-Heidelburger and her husband Jody of Woodsock, and twin daughters Faith St. Piere and her husband Charles of Sturbridge, MA, and Florence Lajeunesse and her husband Carl of Coventry, CT; his sister, Joyce Bell of Putnam; seven grandchildren: Michael Deary, Shannon Zifcak, Jason Hall, Neil James Lajeunesse, Alicia Ann Lejeunesse, Austin Hall, and Victoria McNeal; three step grandchildren Michael, Lauren, and Kiersten Heidelberger; and four great grandchildren, Jacob, Grace, and Benjamin Zifcak and Brenden Womack.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dr. Hall’s family from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Funeral Service on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 1:30 pm in Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St, Putnam, CT. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Putnam Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to LFUMC, 53 Grove St. Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Patricia Grayson
I am saddened to learn of Jim’s passing and know his loss will be heartfelt to all who knew him,. He was a dear friend, thought of so often over the years. Have a good flight “Red Baron”.
Ann Miller
Pat, Tammy, Jay, Florence and Faith and all the rest of the extended Hall family,
Thinking of you and Jim. He was a good man, who did so much to help so many people. He touched many lives in many ways. I cannot be sad for his passing, but happy that I had the chance to be his friend.
He lived a long and very productive life, and his family continues that legacy of helping others and doing good.
I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the services. I would have liked to have shared my condolences and memories in person. Please know that I am thinking of you…..
Norma Dinsdale
I was saddened to hear of the loss of you dad Tammy. My love and sympathy to you, Jody and your family.
Judy and Nick Haines
Dear Hall family. We are very sorry for your lose. Jim was a great and funny man.
We will miss him in church.
Love, Judy and Nick
Randy and Jeanie Clough
Praying for you and your family as you mourn the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. May you feel God’s grace, peace and comfort surround you.
Paul and Lea Herrick
Tammy, Jody and family
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you during this most difficult time of loss.
kathy long murray
dear pat, tammy and family; sorry to hear about your loss. i am sure you have many happy memories. just to let you know you are thought of at this time. take care, kathy and rich murray
Cathy Lewis
Faith and Tammy and your families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Grab a hold of your memories of a life well lived!
Sandra (Johnson) Corey
Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Hall.
He was my first eye doctor in the 1960s.
Dr Hall was a wonderful person, not just doctor!
My condolences to you Faith, Florence and your entire fimily.
Sandra (Johnson) Corey
frank mc nally
pat,and family
Bev and i were saddened to hear of jim’s passing. our thoughts are with you all at this sad time
frank & bev