James M. Hall

Wasilla resident James M. Hall, 82, died Oct. 22, 2010, at his home.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, at St. Michael Church, 432 East Fireweed in Palmer, with visitation from 5 p.m. until service time. Inurnment will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery.

James McKinley Hall was born Jan. 28, 1928, in Chattanooga, Tenn., the son of Leonard and Rosa (Dobbins) Hall. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, during which he served in the 17th Special Operations “A” Flt. He retired as a master sergeant from the Air Force in 1980 after 26 years of service to his country.

Following retirement, the family moved to Wasilla, where he worked in the abatement of hazardous materials at various military installations. He also served as a counselor and bus driver for Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults and for Tundra Tours. It was while he was working for Tundra Tours that he performed the Heimlich maneuver on a young girl, saving her life.

The family wrote, “Dad was an excellent provider for a family of nine. He supported his seven children, encouraging education and extracurricular activities. He loved being ‘Papasan’ to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had strong beliefs and convictions and always led his family with the tenet to do the right thing.”

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Catherine, of the family home; daughter, Gloria Ellis of Indianapolis, Ind.; sons, James M. Hall II of Kissimee, Fla., Gregory Hall of Big Lake, Eric Hall of Morton, Ill., Leonard Hall II, Kirk Hall and Chad Hall, all of Wasilla; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His parents preceded him in death.

James would want everyone to remember: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Valley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.