Mr. James Robert Hall

In downtown Houston we have the first ever Houston Rodeo Parade, the World Series NY Yankees defeat Chicago Cubs (4-0), the world is just one year away from the start of World War II, and James Robert Hall, the youngest of 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls), was born to Ernest and Cora Hall on January 6, in the year of 1938.

Growing up in the gully, one of the poorest areas of Houston Fifth Ward, he was exposed to segregation and all its effects. He spent his days exploring the streets on the dumps, playing baseball in the Kelly Courts, eating what he caught as he hunted & fished in the bayou, and attending church every Sunday at Galilee Baptist Church, which he loved so much and there he gave his life to Christ.

James attended Bruce Elementary and E.O. Smith Jr. High, where his love of sport grew. In 1957 he graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School. James went on to play baseball at Prairie View A&M University, becoming team captain, and was selected to the All-Southwest Conference team 1961.

From 1961 to 1963, James took a two year detour from college, where he played for the Pittsburgh Farm Club and became their top Switch Hitter. Due to a life changing injury to his left knee (from a slide into second base) James was unable to continue his Pro career.

So he went back to Prairie View A&M University and graduated college in 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, and with a minor in Elementary Ed. Later he went back to Prairie View A&M to further his education, and in 1972 he graduated with a Master Degree in Counseling & Guidance.

Although James' previous marriages were not permanent, they bore him 3 wonderful daughters, Felicia Hall-Arnic (mother - Delores Woodard ), Tonya Hall and Yolanda Hall-Thomas (mother - Muriel Hall). On June 28, 1977, James and Barbara Hall were married. They remained married for 34 years until her passing in 2011. Her 2 daughters Janice and Connie help to complete their blended family.

James' professional career began in 1964 with the start of his first youth league, the Tuffly Colts Baseball Team. Although there were other youth programs, this was the only Free youth sports program that was centered around prayer and putting God first. His mission was to teach kids lessons that extend beyond sports – Resilience, Accountability, Teamwork, and Perseverance – so they can thrive in whatever path they chose.

Then, in 1977 was the start of new adventures, and the beginning of Kerr Field Cobras Club. He created an organization that would empower more than just the youth in Fifth Ward. After a conversation with then Principal Ernestine Mitchell of Allen Elementary, she asked Coach Hall, who was teaching there at that time, to bring his incredible program to her school because the need for after-school programs were great. It is because of this type of volunteer work to the Houston community for 54 years, that earned him the Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award on July 5, 2023.

James Robert Hall was preceded in death by his father, (Ernest Hall Sr.), mother, (Cora Hall), wife, (Barbara Hall), Brother, (Ernest Hall Jr), sister, (Joyce McQuay), son-in-laws, (Milo Thomas) & (Blair Prater Sr.), and niece, (Carol Kukoyi).

James leaves to cherish his memories with his 5 daughters Felicia Arnic, Tonya Hall, Yolanda Thomas, Janice Prater and Connie Hines. 2 son-in- laws, Delton Arnic and Fergus Hines. His 10 grandchildren, Aja and Blair Jr. Prater; Deloren, Delicia, and Deandria Arnic; Austin, Spencer, Sawyer, and Phoenix Hines; and Myla Thomas. 2 Great Grandchildren, Carson Phillips Prater, Odin Hines, and his sister, Rosa Kyle.

He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, Godchildren, adopted families and friends.