Jack Hall

On July 6, 2010, surrounded by his immediate family, Jack Hall, 85, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully. He was born June 25, 1925 at Whitesburg, Kentucky and had resided in Jacksonville since 1965.

Jack graduated from Cumberland High School and then served in the United States Army where he participated in the invasion of Normandy and the liberation of our European Allies. For his valiant service he was awarded four bronze stars. Upon his return to Cumberland, Kentucky from World War II, Jack married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Bernadine Hall, on April 28, 1947. They remained married for 61 years until her passing in October 2008. While residing in Cumberland and raising his family, Jack was involved in local politics and served as a city councilman. He was a business owner before becoming the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Harlan County. Jack was also instrumental in establishing a state park near Cumberland. In 1965 he relocated, with his wife and sons, to Jacksonville Florida where he resided until his passing.

Jack enjoyed a long and illustrious career in law enforcement, culminating with his retirement as a United States Deputy Marshal. He was a great patriot and recalled his service to his country and to his community with great pride. Jack treasured his vast collection of WWII paraphernalia and, as a personal witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust, he strived to ensure that the Holocaust was never forgotten.

He spent many happy hours growing vegetables in his annual garden and creating and completing his many home projects in his woodworking shop. Jack was known, with great fondness, for his outspokenness and generosity and loved and treasured by those who came to know him.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, Claudia and Bill Hall and his brothers, Raymond and Billy Hall. Jack is survived by his three sons, Gary W. Hall (Sharon), Jacksonville, FL; Jeffery B. Hall (Sheryl), Boca Raton, FL; and Randal J. Hall (Cindy), Jacksonville, FL. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Brock B. Hall, Brooke A. Hall, Megan K. Hall, Kym Johnson, and Clint, Pam and Lanae Peters, all of Jacksonville. He is also survived by his brothers, Ralph Hall, Whitesburg, Kentucky and Robert Hall, Macon, Georgia and many dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, July 18, 2010, at 2:00 PM at Hardage- Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.