James L. Hale

August 18, 1955 — February 28, 2026

James Hale

Service Details

James Lloyd Hale, 70, passed away at home on Saturday, February 28, 2026. He lived with Alzheimer’s for the last eight years of his life.

Jim was born August 18, 1955, to Lloyd and Shirley Hale. He graduated from Tech High School in Des Moines. Jim worked at DeeZee Manufacturing for over 40 years. He met his wife Sue at DeeZee and they married on October 15, 1988. They enjoyed 37 years together. They were blessed with two sons, Ryan and Derak. Jim loved fishing with his family and friends, bonfires in the backyard, attending Iowa Hawkeye football games, gardening, going to the beach with family and friends, attending concerts, and listening to his brother Jack sing. He also enjoyed spending time in his garage and woodworking. Jim cherished the close friendships he made with his fellow members at the Des Moines Elks Lodge #98 in Pleasant Hill.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Hale; sons, Ryan Navratil (Brandy Utsler) and Derak Hale (Sarah); brother, Joe Hale (Shelly); sister, Julie Hale (Dan); granddaughters, Harper Hyde, Lucy Hale, and Callie Hale; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Hale; mother, Shirley Felton; brother, Jack Hale; and father-in-law, Mickey Arnold.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Copper Creek Golf Club, 4825 Copper Creek Drive, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.