James Avery Hale (Plainview)

James Avery Hale, 86, of Plainview went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 1, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at College Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Smith officiating and Rev. Don Robertson assisting.  Cremation arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. James was born on July 18, 1932 to Adrian Alexander and Alice Dora McCulloch Hale in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Soon after graduation from Okmulgee High School he married the love of his life Barbara Ann Boss.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and enrolled at Oklahoma State University Technical Institute following his discharge. After earning a degree in Electronics, he joined the Federal Aviation Agency and moved his young family to Wichita Falls, Texas. During his 25 years with the FAA he held positions in Wink and Midland, Texas before moving to Plainview in 1963. After his retirement from the FAA, Jim worked as a realtor and a contractor for twenty years.  A lifelong pilot, he received his flight training while still in his early teens from his father, who managed the county airport for many years. After moving to Plainview, he associated with Claude Hutcheson which afforded him the opportunity to fly family, friends, and occasionally members of Wayland’s Flying Queens to destinations across the country.  He was a member of the First Christian Church, The Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Elks Club. He was an avid golfer and member of Plainview Country Club for over 50 years. Always a competitor, he played in many area tournaments including The Par Buster, The Men’s West Texas and the PCC partnership tournament.  He also played in several Pro-am events and was fortunate enough to attend several U.S. Opens and the Masters.  He had a love for classic cars and motorcycles and attended several Barrett Jackson Auto Auctions.  He had a great personality and sense of humor. Preceding him in death was his wife Barbara Hale; parents, A.A. and Alice Hale; sister, Marian Esclavon; and a brother Carl Hale. James is survived by his sons James Hale, Jr. and wife Laura of Omaha, Nebraska; Mark Hale and wife Kate of Plano; and a daughter Terri Higgins and husband Ross of Plainview; 6 grandchildren, Anna Crews and husband Tate, Lauren Williams and husband Bryan, Melissa Morgan and husband Matthew, Alex Hale and wife Micaela, Amy Higgins, and Alyssa Hale. He also had 5 great grandchildren, Isabella Crews, Eli Williams, Lane Morgan, Preston Crews, and Cole Williams; also a brother, Adrian Hale and wife Carole; two brothers-in-law, David Boss and Jimmy Lee Boss.  He was loved and adored by his family and friends and will be truly missed. The family suggests memorial to The Wounded Warrior Project at wondedwarriorproject.org   Online condolences can be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com