James Hale

Of Flushing, age 79, died Sunday, November 11, 2012, at Avalon Hospice. The funeral service will take place 11:00 am, Thursday, November 15, 2012, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Rev. Terry Bates will officiate with cremation to follow. Private burial will be held in Flint Memorial Park. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Thursday, from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. James "Whitey" was born May 14, 1933, in Grubs, Arkansas the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tillman and Sudie (Nance) Hale. He and Elizabeth "Betty" Duncan were united in marriage in 1955. Whitey worked at Fisher Body Ternstedt for 40 years, retiring in 1997. He began as an Alternate Committeeman for Local 326, and over the next 35 years, he was elected as District Committeeman, Shop Committeeman, Shop Committee Chairman and President of Local 326. He also owned and operated four bars throughout Genesee County, including Oasis in Mt. Morris, Fenton Road Tavern, Hale's Pub in Davison, and Whitey's Way Inn in Clio. The family still owns and operates the Oasis. Left to cherish his memory is two children, Michael and wife, Katie Hale and Mary Mitchell and fiance, Ron Haywood; five grandchildren, Amy Hale, Jamie Neering, Jim Hale, Lisa Hale and Kirsten Mitchell; one great-grandson, Gabriel Hale; life long companion of 38 years, Helen Flint and grandchildren, Melissa McFadden, Joshua Flint, Talia Flint, and Eliaja Flint; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth Hale; and grandson, Dustin Neering; two sisters and four brothers. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Whitey's niece, Janice Hale Kidd for the care she gave to Whitey.