James Hall Obituary

HALL, James M., of Arlington, passed away suddenly on February 16, 2024. Beloved husband of 61 years to Eduarda Marie Hall (Cabral). Loving father of James M. Hall, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Whitman, Christopher Hall and his wife Julie of Arlington, Michael Hall and his wife Rachel of Westminster, and the late Suzanne Marie Hall. Cherished grandfather of Austin, Anthony, Dylan, Tyler, and Emma. Jim is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Jim was born in Somerville in 1938 to the proud parents of James and Eleanor (Gorman) Hall. He grew up playing in Lincoln Park and attended St. Joseph's Grammar School, Malden Catholic HS and Boston College, Class of 1961. Jim was a standout pitcher at MC and played for the Somerville Red Sox in the Boston Twilight league. He was blessed to find the love of his life living just next door and Jim and Marie were married in November of 1962. They eventually set their roots in Arlington where they raised their four children, welcomed three loving daughter-in-laws to the family and spent precious times with their five grandchildren.

Jim served in the 26th Yankee Division of the Army National Guard of Massachusetts from 1963 to 1969. He was proud to receive the Certificate of Award as a Nonpareil of the 4th Training Regiment at Fort Dix and to serve along-side his brother-in-law, John Cabral. Jim worked in social services over a thirty-six year career with the Massachusetts Public Welfare Department. Beginning as a social worker in the Davis Square office, Jim was the Director of the Malden field office, served as Associate Commissioner and led several transformational projects for the Department. He assisted countless families and made many cherished friends throughout his career, retiring in 2002.

In retirement, Jim was all about spending time with Marie and family, including countless hours playing with his grandchildren who affectionately call him Bubba. He loved the beach and spending summers with Marie at their cottage in Wareham. He enjoyed traveling with Marie, visiting the Azores, Portugal, France, Italy, Vatican City, the National Parks and many other locations.

Jim was truly an inspiration and a person you wanted to be around. He lit up any room he was in and within a few minutes there would be laughter with his quick wit and keen observations. He was a life-long learner, always reading and following current events. He was an avid sports fan and never missed a chance to see his children and grandchildren play. While he was a man with a wide array of knowledge, interests and accomplishments, his family and friends were his number one priority and the most cherished part of his life. He was a dedicated and caring son; a thoughtful and loving husband to Marie; a wonderful and attentive Dad; the most loving and supportive grandfather and a caring friend, always there with an attentive ear and a welcoming smile. We are grateful for having been blessed with such a loving man in our lives.

Visiting Hours will be held from the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St. ARLINGTON, on Thursday, February 22nd from 5-8PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 30 Medford St., Arlington on Friday, February 23rd at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with Burial and Military Honors at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham , MA 01701. For directions, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.keefefuneralhome.com.