Dr. James A. Hale

Dr. James A. Hale
Dr. James A. Hale

Dr. James A. Hale, 91, of Amarillo, TX passed away on October 18, 2020.

James Austin Hale was born in Childress, TX on June 6, 1929, because as he explained it, “I wanted to be near my mother”.  He was born again by the grace of God in 1961, and he entered the presence of his Lord on October 18, 2020, t the age of 91.

Jim’s life can be summed up in the phrase “God, Family, Country” – all which he loved and served with passion.

Willis Morgan Jr. and Ora Ina (Jordan) Hale were not only his parents, but also his best friends. Jim completed the close-knit family of five by following his older brother, Billy B, who kept him humble, and his tender sister, Anita, who taught him how to treat ladies. The Hale family moved to Amarillo in 1932 where Jim graduated as “best all-around boy graduate” from Amarillo High School in 1946.  He received his dental degree from Baylor University in 1952 and subsequently became an officer in the Navy.  The following year he served his country and the Marines as a dentist in Korea. He followed the steps of his father and ancestors as a patriotic American willing to fight for his country.

After returning to Amarillo he set up a dental practice and married his “Precious” Barbara Norvill in 1957.  To this union was born two daughters, Melanie and Laurie.

James Hale DDS practiced dentistry for over fifty years with a hiatus of nine years to serve as a missionary with European Child Evangelism Fellowship in Switzerland from 1972-1981.  There he set up the printing operation that produced literature in 21 languages.  A large portion of the materials was to aid believers with children’s work in Communist countries.

Jim had an exceptional sense of humor.  He was always kind, even-tempered, honest, hard-working, considerate, and service-oriented. Jim was happy to return to the Panhandle of Texas in 1981 where “the trees and mountains don’t clutter up the scenery”.

After returning to Amarillo the joy of each week was to meet with the young men from Life Challenge where he taught until he was past 90 years old. His teaching centered around the principles of liberty based on the Ten Commandments. He also delighted in sharing life lessons with his grandchildren.

Jim’s life touched countless lives through his influence on family, friends, patients, individuals and the printing of evangelical literature that went throughout the world.  He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister.  He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Barbara; daughters Melanie (Don) Beasley and Laurie Hale; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to his dedicated and compassionate caregivers from the Amarillo VA and the Kindred Hospice over the past year.

Graveside service with military honors was conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery and officiated by Chaplain Randy Srader, October 20, 2020, under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the ministry of Life Challenge, P.O. Box 50606 Amarillo, TX 79159

View the tribute video here: http://videos.lifetributes.com/1039896

3 Replies to “Dr. James A. Hale”

  1. Barbara & Jim, Melanie & Laurie have been our friends over 45 years. They have showered our family with tremendous hospitality and their lives have always honored our Lord.

    Earth has lost a caring gentleman ready to share with any who would open their hearts and minds to the truth. Heaven has welcomed a new resident after a long and fruitful life. He was exceptional and will be missed by all who knew him.

    Barbara, Melanie & Laurie have been attentive, loving, and supportive Caregivers. Jim was blessed to have such lovely ladies surrounding him.

    Our condolences, love and prayers, Jan Adair Strey & Dave Strey

  2. I was privileged to have had Dr. Hale as my dentist some years ago. He was one of the finest men I had the privilege of knowing . My prayers are with Barbara and her family during this time of grief.

  3. James was a great guy. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the family during this difficult time.

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