John Arthur Hale

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of John Arthur Hale, a beloved husband, father, life-long friend, and entrepreneur who left us on Monday, May 27th. John touched the lives of everyone he met with his unwavering spirit and boundless love.

Born 10/23/45 to Edwin Babb and Venita Hale in Salem, Mass, “Jock”, was a proud alum and former Mustang at North High School. He is survived by his wife Jan Hale, daughter Meredith Hale-Griffin and his son-in-law David Griffin. A gladiator in the truest sense of the word, Hale’s strength of will and seemingly endless ability to fight through every challenge will continue to inspire all who experienced it.

Following a stint at Phoenix College, John served in the Arizona Air National Guard prior to beginning a more than 20-year career as the owner of Hale’s Feed and Pet Supply. Throughout a life of dedicated service, “Hon”, served as Grill Master, Arizona HS Sports trivia vault and was the premier camera man for all Xavier Gator softball and basketball games.

Survived by the love of his life and nearly constant companion of over 50 years, Jan “Hun” Hale, John was a renowned fashion plate and had an unapparelled eye for color coordination. Pairing orange Cleveland Browns shorts with an electric lime green shirt and Pelicans’ mascot hat isn’t the kind of risk that just anyone can take, but John steadfastly defied convention.

An avid sports fan, Hale’s love for the ponies was shared by his Son-in-law (Son) and family bookie, David Griffin. The windows were always open on big race days, and John’s friends at Churchill Downs welcomed him to the 2019 Winner’s Circle with Serengeti Empress on Oaks Day. Never one to question officiating, John was ever complimentary of the refereeing done at Meredith’s HS basketball games and, as you would imagine, he never voiced displeasure with balls and strikes when Little Lady was on the mound. It’s important to point out that the rumors of his orchestrated chants of “Green Stripes” at any Xavier-St. Mary’s tilt were wildly overstated.

The most loyal of “life-long friends”, many of John’s greatest pleasures came from time spent with his fellow North alums. The first of these relationships beginning when he was just 9 months old. While these friends and their families became known as Uncles, Aunts, Nieces, Nephews, Sons, Daughters, Grandpa and Gramsy, Jock never forgot those great moments and was the go-to answer man for any historical fact of relevance to this remarkably close extended family.

Not surprisingly, many of the moments the “family” remember the most fondly are punctuated by the aroma of smoked tri-tip, in the backyard that he lovingly maintained and “watered” from time to time. Oh, if that lemon tree could talk.

Appreciated for his “delicious sense of humor” and joyful demeanor, John’s trademark “Have a Good Weekend” was delivered to all with warmth and a smile everyday of the week. Selfless in countless ways, many unsuspecting visitors, doctors and nurses were given the opportunity to “hold my nuts” while he reached out with a fistful of pecans.

He took great pride in becoming one of the first businesses to offer dog and cat adoptions outside of the pound environment. His love for and devotion to Shivers, Columbo, Sabrina, Sunrae, Barney, Hoops, Blondie and Pink was only matched by their love of him. Although he passionately cared for his pets, he was ever-present for anyone in need and served as a caretaker to the many mentors he cherished.

In lieu of any gifts or flowers, the family requests that you donate in his name to any cause or charity that you are passionate about.