James Hall
James Irwin “Jim” Hall, 89, of Carey, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Birchaven of Findlay.
Jim was born, at home, in Arlington, on Nov. 30, 1933, to the late Charles E. and Elsie L. (Moore) Hall. Jim graduated from Carey High School in 1951 where he excelled as an athlete. After graduating from high school, he was recruited to play football at The Ohio State University; however, family obligations in Carey prevented him from playing.
Jim married Laurell Dible in 1951. Together they had six children and later divorced. After moving back to Carey, Nancy Combine caught Jim’s eye while she was driving around town in her convertible. After mutual interest, Nancy and Jim started dating and the two were married on Dec. 21, 1968. Nancy fit right in with Jim and his six children. They enjoyed countless boat trips on Lake Erie, mushroom hunting in Michigan, wintering in Florida and cruises with the senior center. Jim and Nancy celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Dec. 21, 2022, days before her passing on Dec. 25, 2022.
Jim owned and operated J.F. Dible Co. and R.J. Hall Co. Plumbing and Heating, for more than 30 years providing mechanical contracting for the surrounding area. He later purchased Burson Insurance and Bakies Insurance Companies, successfully forming Burson-Bakies Insurance Agency.
Jim had an eye for detail and was a perfectionist. He made sure to read every manual from front to back before starting a project and knew exactly where a flashlight should be pointed. Jim was a licensed pilot and was proud of earning the highest possible score on his flight test. In his free time, he could be found perfectly navigating his boat on Lake Erie.
Jim was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church in Carey where he was a former trustee and made sure everything ran smoothly within the church, including the steam boilers. Jim was proud of his time served with the Carey Masonic Lodge #420 and served as master mason for several years; in 2016 Jim earned his 60-year membership pin. He was also involved with the Royal Arch Masons, Upper Sandusky Council R&SM and Tiffin Commandery #9.
Jim will be missed by his children, Kristine (Gary) Jones of Pennsylvania, James (Valerie) Hall Jr. of Ada, Jeffery (Deb) Hall of Carey, John (Autum) Hall of Carey and Mary (Bob Baker) Hall of Carey; 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Kay E. (Ron) Bercaw of Michigan; brothers, Charles E. Hall of Marion and Roger (Cheryl) A. Hall of Carey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Hall; daughter-in-law, Janet Hall; and sister-in-law, Pam Hall.
Visitation will be held at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home in Carey Wednesday, July 12, from 4-7 p.m. An 11 a.m. funeral will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 13, with the Rev. Loran Miracle officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Carey.
Donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Grace United Methodist Church and may be sent to the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.
