James (Jim) Arthur Hale, Sr. of Newberry peacefully passed away on January 9, 2024 surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Born on January 17, 1941 in Altoona Pennsylvania. He was the son of Harry Arthur Hale and Martha Leona Wilkins Hale. At the age of 12, Jim's journey led him to Cheraw SC, where his father's work with Burlington Mills marked the beginning of a remarkable life. Graduating from Cheraw High School in 1959, Jim's teenage years ignited a lifelong passion for music, where he played trumpet in the high school band. These years set the stage for a life filled with passions and accomplishments.

Post-graduation Jim attended Wingate College for a year before transferring to Newberry College, where he continued to play trumpet in the college band. His deep love for history and politics culminated in a B.A. in History and Political Science. In 1963, he ventured into teaching at Little Mountain Elementary School. Here he would coach the girls' basketball team to a championship, highlighting his dedication and leadership.

After one year of teaching, Jim accepted a job with the SC Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation in Columbia. Pursuing law school at USC in 1967, he balanced legal studies with part time work at Vocational Rehabilitation, ultimately earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1970. After receiving his Juris Doctor degree, Jim worked for one year in the Governor's Office and then returned to Vocational Rehabilitation where he remained until his retirement in 1994.

During his years with Vocational Rehabilitation, Jim wrote the federal grant to open Richland House, the first group home in Columbia for pre-delinquent youth. He worked closely with Judge J. McNary Speigner and the family court of Richland County.

Jim strongly believed in public education. He was active in Richland County Public Schools for many years. He served on the Columbia High School Improvement Council, the Columbia High Band Booster Club and the districts Parent Advisory Committee. He was given an outstanding service award by Richland County School District.

Jim loved Newberry College. After retiring, he became the President of the Alumni Association. In 1999, Jim accepted a position as Director of Planned Giving at Newberry College. He worked at Newberry until December of 2022 encouraging alumni to support their alma mater. In October 2023 Jim was awarded the Thomas E. Epting Distinguished Alumni Award, highlighting and appreciating his many contributions to Newberry College.

Jim and his wife, Kathryn, made Newberry their home in 2005 and they both cherished working outside in their yard. After Kathryn's passing Jim's beloved dog Jullee provided comfort and companionship.

Jim was pre-deceased by his wife, Kathryn Holmes Hale, his parents and his sister, Georgia Cook. Jim was formally married to Charlene Stoll Hale and is survived by their three children, James A. Hale, Jr. (Vicki), Idalyn Hale Grubbs, Elise Hale Hoffman (Mike) and six grandchildren, Sam and Matthew Hale, Robert, Michael and Sara Grubbs, and Caroline Hoffman.

Visitation will be on January 18, 2024 at Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College St., Newberry, from 5 o'clock until 7 o'clock pm.

Funeral services will be on January 19, 2024, at 2 o'clock at Wiles Chapel on the Newberry College campus.

Interment will follow the service in Rosemont Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Samuel James Hale, Matthew Philip Hale, Robert James Grubbs III, and Michael Andrew Grubbs Michael Frederick Hoffman and Henry Cooper Holmes, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Newberry College Faculty, Staff and Alumni.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living, and Lexington Community Agape Hospice Home in Lexington. The family is grateful for the visits and comfort from Rev. John Culp. In addition, Jim's lifelong friend Dr. Bill Ferguson who called and talked with Jim many times during his illness giving him support and encouragement. The family is also deeply grateful for the care given by Carmen of Carmen's Care LLC Home Healthcare Company. Carmen became a loving friend to both Jim and the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newberry College Department of Music Organ Fund, 2100 College St. Newberry SC 29108 or Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church Music Fund, 1500 Broad River Rd. Columbia, SC 29210 or to the charity of one's choice.

Jim's impact on the lives he touched will forever be remembered with fondness and gratitude. May he rest in eternal peace.

Memories and messages may be left for the family here on his tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Hale family.