James Hale Jr., 97, of Indianapolis, IN passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at University Heights Health and Living Community in Indianapolis, IN. He was born January 7, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA to James Hale Sr. and Corinthia (Smith) Hale. He married Geraldine (Jones) Hale on July 3, 1940 in Covington, IN, she preceded him in death on June 25, 1993.
James was raised in Covington, IN. He was a three sport athlete in High School and at Wabash College. He played professional baseball at the AAA Level. He retired from Colgate Palmolive in Clarksville, IN where he had been a power house engineer. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge and Jeffersonville Elks Club in Jeffersonville, IN. He and his late wife moved to Crescent City, FL and enjoyed many years together in their retirement until her passing.
Survivors include two sons, James L. Hale (Linda C. Green Hale) of Indianapolis, IN and Gary K. Hale (Donna L. Bottorff) of Ft. Smith, AK; four grandchildren James D. Hale (Mina Barzagar Hale) of Indianapolis, IN, Suzi Hale (Robert Sexton) of Hollywood, CA, Christopher Hale (Melissa Hale) of Lafayette, IN, and Jason Hale (Tammi Hale) of Lafayette, IN; seven great-grandchildren James L. Hale, Amanda Grace Hale, Elianna Joy Hale, Austin Hale, Jaiden Hale, Aidan Hale, and Mackenna Hale.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
The Reverend Tony Schommer and Dr. Woodrow Church will conduct a memorial service celebrating the life of James Hale Jr. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7PM at Stones Crossing Church, 7000 West Stones Crossing Road, in Greenwood, IN, where friends may call from 5PM till service time at the church. A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 11AM at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Covington, IN. Swartz Family Church and Chapel – Funeral and Cremation Service in Greenwood, IN is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 6051 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 or at www.pva.org or the Shoe Closet Ministry, ATT: Barb Omstead, 530 Elbow Bend Blvd., Greenwood, IN, 46142. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-881-0202.

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