Anne Miller Aug 1997.

Obiturary.

James Charles “Jim” Hall (1934-2020) Husband, father, grandfather, teacher, funny man, friend. After a wonderful life blessed with love and laughter, Jim Hall passed away peacefully on January 23, 2020, with family by his side.

He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife of 50 years, Beverley Jane (Macaulay) Hall (d. 2012).

Much loved and admired father of Jamie (Meghan), Jennifer, Andrew (Katie) and Monica Hankins (Steve). Proud grandfather of Sophie, Kane, Isabel, Sadie, Gabriel and Benjamin.

Predeceased by his parents George Henry Hall and Dinah Helen Turnbull of Stratford, and more recently, his cherished sister Jacqueline Margaret Hall, also of Stratford.

Jim was born and raised in Stratford, Ontario. He lived a real life Our Gang childhood, sneaking with friends through the back door of the local movie theatre for afternoon matinees, playing pond hockey or pick-up baseball in the sandlot.

He attended Stratford Teachers’ College and took his first teaching post at Stewart Avenue Public School, Galt, in 1955.

Jim had an impact on the lives of thousands of students over a 35-year career as a Special Ed. teacher with the Waterloo County Board of Education. He taught at numerous other schools including Lincoln Avenue, Manchester, Central, William G. Davis, Queensmount, Doon, and Margaret Avenue.

He made many close connections with school staff, parents and students who shared his commitment to the educational growth and the positive development of children.

In the 1980’s, Jim took on part-time work at Deluxe Taxi and George’s Restaurant as a driver to help pay for his children’s piano lessons, sports leagues and braces.

Jim was a long-time member of First United Church in Galt, and now Cedar Hill United Church, Cambridge.

A music lover, especially Tony Bennett and Oscar Peterson, he even sang barbershop with the Twin City Harmonizers.

He enjoyed being outside to work in the yard and garden and took great pleasure in hiking the Bruce Trail.

A master of the very long joke with a short punchline, Jim loved to laugh and make other people laugh. In recent years, Jim’s memories faded a little with Alzheimer’s Disease, but his immense joy and boyish laughter remained steadfast.

A very special thank you to all the caregivers and staff at Stirling Heights Long Term Care Home for their friendship and compassion, especially during his last weeks.

At his request cremation has taken place.

The family will receive friends at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge, Friday, January 31, 2020, from 5-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cedar Hill United Church, 241 Cedar St., Cambridge on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11 a.m.

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario or the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be appreciated by the family.