James William Hall

1952 ~ 2024

James William “Jim” Hall, a devoted writer and stoic activist passed away May 9th, 2024 at the age of 72. Jim was a loving brother, uncle and son born March 22nd, 1952 in Washington DC to James and Marilyn Hall and lived in the Orlando area since 1957.

Jim’s early life was always filled with music and reading countless books, especially Science Fiction which he particularly loved. Jim graduated from Edgewater High School in 1970 and then attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. He graduated from Rollins College in 1977. Always a learner, he went on to receive his Masters in Liberal Studies (MLS) from Rollins in 1983.

Remaining local, Jim went to work for the Walt Disney Company for over 20 years where he served as part of the transportation team there. His calling to educate kids came in the way of his work as a Language Arts Instructor at Valencia College and the Orange County Public Schools where he taught English as a Second Language. Jim knew how to reach the Middle Schoolers (Roberto Clemente) and High School students at Oak Ridge where he influenced them to get focused on a brighter future beyond High School. He was a teacher favorite among immigrant and disadvantaged students.

But apart from his work, his true love came in the way of writing short stories and novels. Jim participated in many writer’s workshops at the Odyssey Writing Workshops at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, where he continued to hone his craft on his Science Fiction writings. He was prolific with his short stories and deeply involved with his novel at the time of his passing.

Jim was remarkably intelligent and often served up his wisdom with his social media posts. Never over the top – rather very stoic – he loved to champion the underdog and all true good causes. But, challenge Jim to a “pun war” and you were in for a treat. The three brothers were relentless with their gag-worthy tie-ins and cleverness and the ability to drive others out of the room.

Predeceased by his father and mother, Jim’s legacy is carried on by his loving two brothers, Stephen and Richard Hall, their wives Janet and Betsy, his nieces Lauren, Sarah and Madeline and his nephew Tyler. He also loved his role as Great Uncle to seven grand-nieces and nephews. Jim loved to participate in family events along the years and recently sailed through the Panama Canal with his brothers and their wives.

One of his favorite quotes comes from Harriett B. Stowe:

“It’s a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done.”

Jim will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park next to his loving parents.

A service to honor the life of James William Hall will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College.