Jesse Hall

Jesse Irving "J .I." Hall joined his beloved wife, Gladys Magee Barnett Hall, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2011 at the age of 92. He was born May 24, 1919 to Jesse Ira and May Stiles Hall in Corpus Christi. J. I. attended Midway School and Robstown High School. J. I. was called to duty and joined the U. S. Army, assigned to the 7th Division, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A. He served on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Ryukyus, Aleutian Islands, Philippines, Okinawa, Attu in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign of World War II. After being wounded, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star and was medically discharged. He returned to Corpus Christi to marry his sweetheart and began his career with American Smelting and Refining, retiring from ASARCO after more than 37 years of service. J. I. and Gladys were active and devout members of Grace United Methodist Church with J. I. ministering to shut-ins by delivering Sunday service audio-tapes. J. I. was a Calallen ISD Board Member for 12 years, serving 7 as President. For decades, J. I. was an avid Calallen Wildcat Fan, religiously following both daughters' pursuits. He touched many lives throughout the years with his patience, compassion and big friendly smile as he taught young and old alike the art of swimming and water skiing. He would tirelessly swim as far as it took to allow the new skier the excitement of success. Grandkids were the light of J. I. and Gladys' lives as they followed each of their activities throughout the years. As each Great-Grand arrived, he stated he never thought he'd live to see Grands, much less, Great-Grands. J. I.'s retirement days were always jump-started by his daily bicycle/tricycle ride, which continued well into his 90's. His days were also enriched by his B-Line bus trip to the NW Senior Center for lunch and fellowship with dear friends. We would like to thank all of the friendly drivers who assisted with his transportation to and from the Center as well as Joe, Sonja, Lena and all of the wonderful friends and staff at NW Center. J. I. was preceded in death by his parents and Gladys, his wife of 60 years. He is survived by his brother, Carroll "Chicken" Hall of Corpus Christi, Texas and his sister, Marjorie Hall Buckley of Roswell, New Mexico. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, two daughters, Eileen (Wess) Hatton of Missoula, Montana and Lauren (Steve) Miller of Corpus Christi, Texas; a granddaughter, Jaclyn (Clay) Harris of Humble, Texas; a grandson, Bryan (Mariah) Miller of San Antonio, Texas; great grandchildren, Peyton and Paige Harris and Reid Miller; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until 8 P.M. with the family present from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 A.M. Friday, June 3, 2011 at Grace United Methodist Church with The Rev. Stan Whites and The Rev. Mark Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Bryan Miller, Clayton Harris, Mark Dizdar, Marion Barnett, Brian Hill and Ramiro Cabrera. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the love and friendship offered by his caregiver, Mary Vega. Our thanks also go out to the wonderful caregivers at Retama Manor for their kindhearted and compassionate friendships and attention to his needs as well as to the gentle and knowledgeable staff at Vista Care. OUR HERO, YOU ARE MISSED!