James Vernon Hall
January 17, 1928 - June 12 ,2013
Jim (Bud) passed away at home on Wednesday evening, June 12 at the age of 85. He fought so hard, even within a couple hours of his passing; for that we are so very proud of him and very sad. He tried hard to win his battle against cancer and even in the most difficult moments could find an opportunity to laugh with friends and family. We will never forget him and. as sad and disturbing as it was, we were with him until his final breath. Take care of yourselves, we are all ultimately fragile.
James leaves behind his loving wife of 31 years, Kathleen Hall, two sons; Douglas Hall and Martin Hall and wife Shelley (Hall); step-daughter Debbie Briggs and her husband John (Briggs), and his sisters Maureen and Pat. Jim was predeceased by his mother Ruby, his brother Mike, and sister Rene. He also leaves behind four much loved grandchildren, Nyles, Kia, Clayton, Hinda and husband Lloyd and great granddaughter Kaylee and many nieces and nephews. His family abroad, Brian and Jane Morris children Shaun and Jessica.
James Vernon Hall served with remarkable distinction and endurance in the Canadian Merchant Navy, joining at the young age of 15. He served for over two decades, including the duration of World War Two, earning numerous medals and citations including one from the Government of Norway. Whilst in the merchant marine he travelled to India, South Africa, England and the Philippines, amongst many other exotic destinations, and, in his later years, provided a remarkable chronicle of his adventures (supplemented by many a tall tale for family and friends) of his years of service. A major affirmation for Jim, stemming from his service during the war, came when the Government of Canada formally recognized the service of merchant mariners during World War Two and afforded those mariners veteran’s benefits commensurate with their sacrifices. After departing the mariner’s life Jim worked for the federal government on Vancouver Island until his retirement.
Jim was born and raised in Coombs on Vancouver Island (the house where he was born remains standing adjacent to Coombs Market) where he went to school. After many years he returned to nearby French Creek to enjoy his retirement and “hang out” with his old school chums. Every morning at 8 am you could be assured that you would find the gang drinking coffee at the Coombs Market where many a tall, and well-worn, tale was told. For younger generations, Jim’s stories offered a fascinating window on times past and gave us an appreciation of a life fully and well lived.
Jim from a very young age knew that his love of the ocean would take him on many adventures. He spent his retirement restoring and piloting wooden boats; his favourite was the Rice “S.
He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Happy father’s Day Jimmy! We’ll miss our gentle, and affable, giant; loving husband, parent and friend.
Our family would like to thank the Parksville Palliative Care for all their love and care they gave Jim. Without their compassionate and attentive support our, and Jim’s, final months would have be enormously more challenging. The dedicated staff at Parksville Pharmasave also deserve special credit for their professional and caring support during this difficult time. Special thanks to Rhonda Scudds you were our rock (and you rock)! We will always be in your debt.
In recognition of Jim’s life and service please consider supporting the Canadian Merchant Veterans association: spryone@telus.ca 604-831 Dunsmuir Road, Victoria, B.C, V9A 5B8 fax 250-381-7772.