Dr. James Hall

Dr. James A. Hall, a beloved figure in the Dayton community, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024, in Houston, Tx, at the age of 78. Born on August 22, 1946, in Sweetwater, Tx, Dr. Hall was a dedicated and talented veterinarian who loved nothing more than to devote his time to brightening the day of any client who dared brave the endless line of trailers waiting outside his clinic. With nearly 50 years of experience, Dr. Hall and his wife, Donna Kay McMullan Hall, worked side by side at their practice, Dayton Veterinary Clinic, where their passion for animal care was rivaled only by their dedication and love for their family and the community.

 Dr. Hall's educational journey began in Sweetwater, where he graduated from Sweetwater High School in the class of 1964. He furthered his education at Lubbock Christian College and completed his undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Following that, Dr. Hall was drafted into the U.S. Army vet corps and ultimately pursued a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. He graduated from vet school in 1975 with a new career and a set of classmates who became lifelong dear friends. He continued to pursue further education throughout his life and became a mentor to many young docs as they began their own careers.

 Dr. Hall had an interest in many different things through his life, but of those his ‘racehorse era’ deserves special mention. It provided him many great friends, stories, and adventures through the years. Though Dr. Hall’s profession was indisputably a significant part of his legacy, he was arguably the greatest Pawpaw of all time. Upon his retirement, Dr. Hall entered this new phase of life full of optimism and boundless energy, as he did with all things. He devoted his later years to cultivating a new generation of “little humans” who would be forever touched by his generosity and unwavering love and support.

 Perhaps most importantly of all, Dr. Hall exemplified the call of the Lord to have the heart of a servant. The Lord Jesus said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ and Dr. Hall not only believed these words but lived by them each day.

 Dr. Hall is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Donna Kay; his son, Brian Hall; his daughter, Marcia Jackson, and her husband, Tyler; his brothers, Tim Hall and wife Sheree, and Lance Hall and wife Kathy, sister Beth Hall, sisters in-law Peggy McMullan, Belynda Counts and husband John. He cherished his grandchildren, Eli, Olivia, McKenna, and honorary grandchildren Kami, Kellan, and Kassi. Dr. Hall held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews: David Hall and his wife Jana, Michael Hall and his wife Amanda, Andy Hall, Jonathan Elston and his wife Kelsey, Whitney Dye and her husband Jacob, Chad Counts and Brad Counts.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Truman Augustus "Jess" Hall and Dorothy Lee Ammons Hall, and his daughter, Kati Hall, and son, Brett Hall. He also joins his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tommy and Ruth McMullan, in eternal rest.

 Friends and family are invited to honor Dr. Hall’s life during a visitation that will take place on September 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at the Dayton Christian Center, located at 470 CR 455, Dayton, Texas 77535.

 Dr. James Hall will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the love and kindness he extended to all those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. If it is on your heart to tangibly contribute to his memory, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Tx 77840. Please designate the Veterinary Medicine Class of ‘75 Endowed Scholarship (#34263) in the memo line of the check. The link is as follows: https://www.txamfoundation.com/give.aspx

 Through the loss of this wonderful man, we hold tightly to the promise delivered by our Lord in Romans 8:18, ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’.