James D. Hall

James Daniel Hall, age 93 went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, November 20, 2020. James was born January 13, 1927, in Republic Ferry County, Washington, to parents James Daniel Hall and Gertrude Marie Hall (O’Connell). James was the only boy and next to the youngest of 5 siblings. He called several places home because his father worked and traveled for Shell Oil Co., but landed in Lordsburg, NM with his family. After graduating high school , while in Lordsburg New Mexico, he owned and operated a full service gas station. In 1945, he joined the United States Army. He was stationed in White Sands New Mexico and made electrical connections for firing of the V-2 rocket experiments. He frequently spoke of his time while there and of a famous scientist that he drove around by the name of von Braun. After WWII ended he discharged from the Army and joined the United States Navy on reserve duty while attending college. Thanks to the GI Bill and guidance from a dear family friend, he attended Texas Tech University and graduated with honors with a Bachelors in Business Administration /Accounting. After graduating from Tech, he went to work at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He was living in Dallas, TX at the time and met the love of his life, Greta Ganell McElveen on a blind date. They married April 22, 1953 and eventually had three children. He had a hankering for the rural farm life so he bought 30 acres of land on the outskirts of Oklahoma City and raised a few cattle. Too many stories to tell but it was quite an adventure. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1985 after 35 years of service.

James served his community for many years. He was on the Oakdale School Board for several years and was instrumental along with other board members in fighting to keep the school open when the corps of engineers wanted to close the school due to Arcadia Lake. He served as a Deacon at Oakdale Baptist Church formerly known as Witcher Baptist Church for over 40 plus years. He was active in civic organizations such as the Optimist Club and Pioneer Club. He also served on the Southern Baptist Foreign Missions Board. He was a very active member/leader in the Bible Study Fellowship group for many years. He loved to read and knew his Bible inside and out. James was an active father with his children and grandchildren. They were all involved in sports and never missed a game if he could help it. He had a sense of humor and loved teasing his grandkids. He would absolutely do anything those grandkids wanted, even to his own demise. One time while trying to back the pick up to the edge of the pond so his grandson could jump off the tailgate, the pickup brakes decided not to work and that truck went straight into the pond. He never learned how to swim but kept a cool head and was able to climb out the window and float to the edge. All to the horror of his grandson watching. That was one of many adventurous times with grandad.

He was married to Greta for 67 years and absolutely adored her. They traveled frequently with family and had some of the best times. Though his life on this earth has ended, his life is just beginning in the arms of his Savior. He was the best role model and friend to so many people and never met a stranger. He will be dearly missed.

James is survived by his wife of 67 years Greta Ganell Hall, His Son Jim and Daughter- in- law Terri Hall of Oklahoma City, his Daughter Leanne and Son- in- law Lonnie Lillard of Oklahoma City, his Daughter Rebecca and Son-in- law Brian Medeiros of Oklahoma City. His 7 grandkids, James Dyer and wife Morgan of Edmond, Nelson Medeiros and wife Courtni of San Antonio, TX, Nathan Apple and his wife Brandalyn of Moore, OK, Zachary Medeiros and fiancé Amber of Guthrie, OK, Laramie Hall of Oklahoma City, Luke Medeiros of Oklahoma City, and Peyton Medeiros of Oklahoma City, Lori and Trent Bishop of Lewisville, Texas. Great grandchild, Hailey Olivas, Elliott Apple of Moore, OK and one future great grandchild Medeiros of San Antonio, TX, Sister-in- law, Alva Kohn of Louisville, KY, Brother- in- law Emerson McElveen of Bullard, TX, as well has many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Gertrude Hall, Step- mother Lois Hall, Sister Caroline Hall, Sister Mary Lynch and Brother- in- law Jack, Sister Patricia Childs and Brother- in- law Bill, Sister Donna Holcomb and Brother- in- law Wayne, Brother and Sister-in-law Harold and Ginny McElveen, Brother- in- law T. L. Kohn , Brother and Sister- in- law Elwood and Anna Jo McElveen, and Sister- in- law Thelma McElveen.