Obituary of Jim Hale

It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the passing of James Roy Hale on 07 October, one day short of his 60th birthday. Born in Westville, Jim was a son of the late Roy and Ruth (Muirhead) Hale. Jim found happiness in his family and fulfilment professionally in his lifelong dedication to teaching. Jim is survived by his loving wife Jane, with whom he spent 32 wonderful years, his children Evan (Kate) in Alma and Lauren and Nathan who are still at home in Stellarton; sister Marilyn (Fred) Jesty of King City, Ontario; mother-in-law, Helen MacLeod, Camp Hill. Halifax; brother-in-law John (Janet) MacLeod, Hammonds Plains; sisters-in-law, Cathy (Tom) Carling, Mayo, Quebec and Rhoda (Archie) Matthews, Hammonds Plains; also many nephews and nieces across Canada. Jim was a graduate of Westville High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education Degree from St Mary’s. Jim initially returned home and started his 35 year teaching career at Westville High School in 1978, becoming Vice-Principal there in 1986. As part of his ongoing desire to develop professionally as a teacher and later as a school administrator, Jim earned a Masters of Arts (Education) degree from St Mary’s and a Master of Education in Administration Degree from St Francis Xavier. This enabled him to become a very successful Principal, initially at Thorburn Consolidated School and for the past 11 years at Walter Duggan Consolidated School in Westville. As an educator, Jim’s philosophy was “the children come first and the rest can be dealt with later. All children can learn and it is our responsibility as educators to see that this happens” guided his decision making process as an administrator. Jim’s success as a Principal can be attributed to two dominating principles: no one worked for Jim, they worked with him; and secondly, all of the students he taught over the years were “his kids”. A little known highlight of Jim’s life was the fact he supported himself while at university in Halifax as a male model. He was so successful at this that his brothers-in-law were very reluctant to accept him into the family because he was simply too good looking. On a personal level, Jim loved to camp, spending many summer days and nights at Twin Shores in PEI and Seafoam in Pictou County. Jim had many passions, ranging from wine making to trips to places that were warm with great beaches. Of particular note was St Pete’s Beach where Jim and Jane spend many hard hours working in tan maintenance. Jim was remarkable man in one other aspect of life: he was the consummate shopper. He could never pass a clothing or shoe shop without exchanging some of his hard earned money for an item of clothing that was absolutely essential to his wardrobe. Jim was involved in his community as well. For many years he served on the Board of Directors for the Pictou County Children’s Aid Society and from 2004 was an active member of Western Star #50 in Westville. With all this involvement Jim found time to spend with his own children and loved them dearly. He offered encouragement, advice and life skills that will stand them in good stead in the coming years.The family would like to take this opportunity on Jim’s behalf to thank the entire staff at Walter Duggan Consolidated and the Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital for the supportive and professional care they provided throughout his illness. We would be remiss if we did not pass on a very special thank you to Mary MacDonald. You were a tower of strength and compassion and will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to a charity of your choice. Visitations were held at the Eagles Funeral Home, Thursday, 9 October. Jim's funeral service was held at First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton at 3 p.m. Friday, 10 October with the Rev. Charles MacPherson. Interment was in St. Bees' Cemetery, Westville.