Former Cumberland County Superintendent of Schools (now called Director of Schools) Jim Hall has passed at 78-years-old.  Below is his obituary and life’s history.

James “Hawkeye” Hall passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024 at his home in Crossville, Tennessee after an extended illness.

Jim had a great passion for teaching and coaching. He spent 35 years as an educator and coach, mostly in Cumberland County. The last ten years of his career, he served as Superintendent of Schools and always strived to make the students a priority. As a graduate of Tennessee Tech University, he believed in education and was an influence on many family members and students to further their education.

Jim was known as “Hawkeye” because of his ability to shoot a basketball. Jim loved all sports, but was particularly obsessed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and very rarely missed an opportunity to watch them on TV. He also enjoyed gardening, and making gourds for Martins birds with his friend, Ken Travis.

Jim was born September 7, 1945 in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Paul Hall and Lucille Garrett Hall; his grandparents, Ed and Mamie Garrett and Sam and Matilda Hall, all of Mayland; sister, Virginia Ruth Drury, and his brother Joe Earl Hall. Jim was also preceded in death by his beautiful granddaughter Shelby Kaitlyn Stout.

Jim is survived by his sister, Pam Warrington, her husband Bill and their daughter Ashley. Jim is also survived by his brother-in-law, Harry T. Drury, III and his son, Tommy; special friends Fred and Pam Stout.

Jim is survived by his wife, Peggy. In 1984, Jim married Peggy Cason Stout, a young widow with two children that he grew to love dearly as his own, Valerie and Gerald. Jim is survived by Valerie Stout Hale and her son, Lee Hale. Jim is also survived by Gerald Stout and his wife, Jennifer Patton and their children, Lexi, Carson, and Bella.

Jim loved Jesus and his Christian experience began as a child at Mayland Baptist Church with his sisters, Ruth and Pam.

Jim was a kind, gentle man that was affectionately known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren. He could normally be found teaching them how to swing a bat or shoot a basketball, doing homework, or simply watching television with them. He was truly delighted by his grandchildren and loved each one endlessly.

Services for Jim will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on August 11, 2024. The family will receive friends from 12:00-3:00 with the service immediately following. Burial will be at Green Acres Cemetery.