James Byron Hall

James Byron " JB" Hall, aged 76, passed away peacefully in his home November 28th, 2025.

James was born May 2, 1949 in Great Bend, KS to Harold Byron & Doris Lilian (Shepard) Hall. He was the oldest of 3 boys. James attended school in Larned, KS until his senior year. He graduated from Kemper Military School (Boonville, MO) in 1968. He went on to join the US Navy, serving in the Vietnam War, and later reenlisting to the US Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged from the military in the 1990s. James was a very proud veteran for the rest of his life. As a civilian, he had a variety of jobs including Franklin County's Emergency Manager in the 90's and the last being an armed guard for Securitas from which he later retired.

Aside from his military and civilian careers, James spent a lot of time in the garage tinkering with a woodworking project, in his office rebuilding computers, or getting into a good book. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Cimmaron, KS later transferring to the local chapter; a member of the Ottawa Lions Club through the early 2000's, and lifetime member of the VFM and DAV.

James was united in marriage to JoEllen Ferns on February 16th, 1975, at the First Baptist Church in Ottawa, KS. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage prior to her death in January 2025.

Survivors include daughter Hailey Smith (John) of Ottawa; brother Matt Hall (Robyn) of Garfield; grandchildren Matthew Woolsoncroft, Izzy Woolsoncroft, Jacklyn Brock (Matt), Chris Freeman (Kylee), Chelsey Freeman, and Tiffany Timmons (Ty); eleven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and several cousins.

James was preceded in death his parents, a brother Nick Hall, nieces Valerie Stewart and Aleesha Hall, nephew Eric Hall, grandchildren Alexis "AJ" Woolsoncroft and John "Bubba" Smith, and last but not least his beloved wife, JoEllen Hall.

James was a very traditional man rooted in faith and a protector in all facets of life. He was a devoted family man and will be truly missed by whom he leaves behind.

Memorial services will be held 11am, Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. Family will greet friends at 10am prior to the memorial services, also at the mortuary. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

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