James Bryant Hall ’47

James Bryant Hall ’47 died on October 2, 2009, in Cummings, Georgia, following a long illness.

He was born in Topsham on July 30, 1926, and prepared for college at Brunswick High School. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity at Bowdoin, and went on to serve in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. He attained the rank of corporal, and was awarded a combat badge and two Battle Stars. After his discharge, he earned his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri in 1952. His first journalism job was at the Bath Daily Times newspaper, but his work as an information specialist for the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C., led to a 35-year career in the health field. He worked in various capacities for the American Heart Association for 25 years and was executive director of the American Heart Association in Miami for 14 years. After retirement, he continued his work as a volunteer for the Florida AARP Legislative Committee, and as a Guardian ad litem for abused children in Tampa. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Pamela Britt and Mary Hall; three sons, David Hall, Timothy Hall, and Bryant Hall; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Benton. He was predeceased by brother Robert Hall and sister Jewell Hall Davis.