James R. Hale

June 4, 1952 - February 21, 2020

James R. Hale, age 67 years, a resident of Vienna and a former longtime resident of Herrin, passed away Friday morning, February 21, 2020, at 12:02 AM at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. Jim was born June 4, 1952 in Jackson County Illinois. He was the spiritual son of Lowell and Freeda Ditterline and was loved as a brother by Roger and Phillip Ditterline and as an uncle by – Heath, Sean, Chris, Rebecca, Sarah, Rachel and Zoe. Jim was a United States Navy veteran. He served from 1970-1980 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Gunner’s Mate. Following his military service, Jim worked as a correctional officer at the Marion Federal Penitentiary. Jim was an avid hunter. He also enjoyed night fishing and was a firearm enthusiast. A graveside service honoring the life of James R. Hale will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 1 PM at Kerley Cemetery in the Flatwoods community. Pastor Kyle Loyd will officiate. There will be no public visitation. However, those wishing to join the procession from the funeral home to the cemetery are invited to be at Bailey Funeral Home at 12:15 PM Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 or to the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.