James "Jimmy" Wesley Hale

James Wesley Hale "Jimmy", 69, of New Bern and formerly of Vanceboro, NC passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, William Claude Hale, Jr. "Bill"; his mother, Lucy Willis Hale; son, Christopher James Hale, and his faithful companion, "Rascal".

Jimmy grew up in the Willis Neck Community of Vanceboro attending Ernul Elementary school, Vanceboro Farm Life High School and West Craven High School.

A devoted and loving husband, father, and friend, Jimmy worked for 31 years at Weyerhaeuser before his retirement. He had a love for antique cars and enjoyed being on the water boating, fishing, and skiing. Above all, he loved spending time with family and friends.

Jimmy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Wiggins Hale; a sister, Catherine Hale Jackson (Kurt) of Tennessee; a brother, Gary Hale (Cindy) of Vanceboro; aunt, Ruth Mills; special cousin, Gloria Wetherington; children of his heart, Scott and Blair Wetherington; grandchildren of his heart, Thomas and Conner Wetherington; and friends, Gloria Jean Roach, Gary Morris, Butch and Johnette Wetherington; as well as many special friends and family members, too numerous to count.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Burial will follow the service at the Willis Family Cemetery on Winn Circle near Vanceboro.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.