James "Jimmy" Henry Hall

James (Jimmy) Henry Hall, age 73, of Arden, passed away on January 3, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service that spanned over five decades to his community and a family that loved him deeply.

Jimmy attended Biltmore School growing up and graduated from TC Roberson High School in 1970. Shortly after, he left for the United States Air Force, where he served from 1970-1974, his favorite bases being Germany and Myrtle Beach. In the Spring of 1975, he began working at Aikens Grocery in Skyland, where he would make deliveries in his pickup truck, with the lovely little Lucy riding shotgun. They were wed October 15, 1977, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher. They were blessed with 47 years of marriage, despite their dear friends (and Lucy’s brother) accidentally catching their car on fire with a smoke bomb as they left for their honeymoon.

Jimmy began his lifelong commitment to firefighting at the young age of 18 when he joined the Skyland Fire Department on June 19, 1969. Over the course of 55 ½ years, Jimmy earned the respect of his peers and the community as he rose through the ranks, from a volunteer firefighter to Assistant Chief. His impact on the department was immeasurable, and his legacy within the Skyland Fire Department will forever be a part of its history.

In addition to his volunteer service, Jimmy was hired full-time by the Skyland Fire Department on October 1, 1975, and served with distinction until he transferred to the Asheville Fire Department on July 1, 1988. He spent the remainder of his career at the Asheville Fire Department, retiring on July 1, 2001. Even in retirement, Jimmy remained an active volunteer member of the Skyland Fire Department, continuing to give back to the community he loved.

Jimmy’s service extended beyond firefighting. From 1978 to the early 1990s, he worked for Buncombe County as an Emergency Dispatcher, handling fire, EMS, and law enforcement calls. He also worked for the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, beginning as a Reserve Officer on January 30, 1978, later transferring to Fleet Maintenance. Jimmy retired from the Sheriff’s Office on August 8, 2024 after years of dedicated service. For 14 years, his secondary work was working security at the Haywood St Congregation. With his calm presence and de-escalation tactics, he helped prevent situations that arose from becoming out of hand. He was also on the Arson Task Force, Special Response Team, and was a staple at the Mountain State Fair each year in the command center.

Jimmy was known for his strong work ethic, calmness under pressure, and his deep compassion for those he served. His contributions were not only in times of emergency but in countless quiet acts of service and leadership. His presence will be profoundly missed by his family, colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives he touched.

Jimmy’s family always enjoyed hearing his tales of service, often with pride, while just as often in awe of how they all survived! Nothing beat sitting around the table and hearing “now let me tell you a good one”. These memories, as well as others, will be cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Robert Hall, Sr. and Virginia Mitchell Hall Arthur, as well as his stepfather Hayne C. Arthur. Left to carry the torch and live through his legacy, are his precious wife Lucy Cunliffe Hall; his daughters Jennifer Louella Hall of Asheville and Barbara Hall Simpson (John) of Gastonia, and his pride and joys, grandchildren Marshall Henry, Virginia Catherine, and John Childs Simpson V “Jack” of Gastonia; his brother Harry Robert Hall, Jr and brother-in-law Mark B. Queen, both of Winston-Salem; brother in law, Tink (Shirley); nephew Mike(Sara); niece Amy( Will); great nephews Ben and Jack and a slew of cousins he adored.

We’ll be 10-8 down here, Cracker, you rest easy. We’ll take it from here.

The family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian from 5-7pm on Friday, January 17th. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18th at Calvary Episcopal Church starting at 2pm, with a reception to follow in the Church’s Parish Hall. The Reverends J Clarkson, Vic Mansfield, and John Simpson will preside. The memorial service will be streamed live via the church website (www.calvaryfletcher.org/videos).

The family would like to greatly thank everyone for their unwavering support over the last year during his health struggle. The doctors and nurses at Advent Health, his physical therapists, and all of those who prayed for us and with us. We love you guys.