James Henry Hall, Jr., 81, of Columbia and formerly of Mullins, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2024, with his wife and son by his side. He was born in Asheville, North Carolina on January 25, 1943, the son of the late James Henry Hall, Sr., and the late Pauline Duckett Hall.

James graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in Asheville, North Carolina in 1961. Following his high school graduation, he attended Western Carolina University, receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, as well as, an Educational Specialist Degree. In 1992, he received a degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. He devoted his entire career to public education having served as a classroom teacher, National Teacher Corps Team Leader (Western Carolina University), Principal of both Blythewood Elementary School and Dutch Fork Elementary School in Columbia, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in Pamplico, Interim Superintendent, Director of Special Services, and Director of Federal Programs in the Marion County School District. He received the NAFEPA Leadership Award in Washington, DC in 2009 and received the SCAEA in 1991. His commitment to education left an indelible mark on the lives of countless people, including his students and coworkers who adored him for his warmth, compassion, and caring ways.

James was not only dedicated to his profession, but also was very involved in the community, contributing his time and efforts to the Mullins Lions Club, where he had served as past president and received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He also served as President of the Columbia Chapter for Western Carolina University from 1973-1978.

In addition to these achievements, James shared a beautiful life with his wife, Myra. He held many titles in life, but his favorite was being a father to Stewart and a grandfather to his precious granddaughters. He was a member of Saluda River Baptist Church in West Columbia and a former member of Mullins First Baptist Church, where he had served as a Men's Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, choir member, and a worker in the soup kitchen. James was a fine southern gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor and easy-going nature. He leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will always be remembered and celebrated.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by a brother, Roger O'Neil Hall.

He is survived by his wife, Myra Metcalf Hall; a son and daughter-in-law, James Stewart Hall and Jessica Faye Hall, all of Columbia; granddaughters, Ellis Faye Hall, Vivian James Hall, and Scarlett Jean Hall; a sister-in-law, Hesper Lynn Hall of Newman, Georgia; and three nephews, Larry O'Neil Hall (Jeni), Ryan Hall (Vanessa), and Justin O'Neil Hall (Talia), all of Georgia.

A service to celebrate James's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Mullins First Baptist Church with visitation to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

If you would like to remember James, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to Mullins First Baptist Church Christian Life Center Fund, P.O. Box 443, Mullins, South Carolina 29574.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Meares Funeral Home has been given the honor of serving the family.