James Albert Hale, 69, of Bedford, died Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in Bedford Memorial Hospital. He was born April 28, 1942 in Roanoke, a son of Bertha Marie Greenway Hale and the late Albert P. Hale.
James was a member of Hollins Road Baptist Church. He was also an U.S. Navy veteran. He worked for Schwan\"™s Food Service and Food Lion for many years.
In addition to his father, James was preceded in death by a son, Donald McCracken Hale and a brother, Allan P. Hale. In addition to his mother, James is survived by his wife of 27 years, Robin Leigh Williams Hale; a daughter, Rebecca Dales and her special friend, Fred Ackwith of PA, four sons, Jonathan Hylton and his wife, Michele of Bath County, Chris Hylton and his special friend, David Dutton of Charlotte, NC, and Michael Hylton of Bedford; a daughter-in-law, Valerie McCracken of France; four grandchildren, Jessica Dales of PA, Kathryn Dales of PA, Samantha McCracken of France and his special \"little man\", Jonathan James Hylton; a brother, Larry Hale of Roanoke; and a sister Susan Mullins of Roanoke.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4504 Starkey Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 or the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department, 315 Bedford Avenue, Bedford, VA 24523.
A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443.