James Alan Hall

James Alan Hall passed away Saturday, June 13, in the comfort of his home, after a strong and valiant effort against cancer.

Jim was born Sept 8, 1947, and raised in the rural Nemaha Brownville area, graduating from Nemaha High School in 1965. After high school, he attended college and worked in the Lincoln area, until he was drafted into the Army in August of 1968. After discharge in March 1970, he returned to Lincoln.

Jim joined the United States Marshals Service in October 1970. In 1978, he transferred to the Omaha office, where he continued as a deputy U.S. Marshal until September 1995. At that time, he became a criminal investigator for the Federal Public Defender’s Office until his retirement in March 2006. Jim served both sides of the legal system with equal dedication. Upon retirement, Jim spent his leisure time perfecting his golf game and adoring his grandchildren.

Jim’s career with the Marshal’s Service included several assignments of civil disturbance which gained national significance, including Wounded Knee, SD in 1973; the Cuban Boat Lift in 1980; Ruby Ridge, ID in 1995, and many others.

While he was assigned to work on a trial in Sioux City, IA, he met the love of his life, Peggy Reynolds, and they married. In the ensuing years, their children Ben, Beth, and Adam were born. Jim’s pride and joy were his grandchildren Nolan, Moira, and Bronko. Peggy and Jim celebrated their 40th Anniversary a few short weeks ago.

Jim was an incredible cook and a master griller. He loved the whole process, from preparation to presentation. His kitchen was his kingdom. At the same time, if you were in trouble, Jim was the guy you wanted on your side.

We will remember his love of his family, his infectious laugh, and his ability to not only start the party, but keep it going. Family holidays were made even more fun by Jim’s unique role as Bingo Caller, and a gathering that included Jim was guaranteed to be full of laughter and fun.

Jim always wanted to attend medical school but soon realized that with his grades, he had only one shot to get there. In keeping with his life of service to others, he donated his remains to the Nebraska Anatomic Board to be used as needed. We who loved him know they will have their hands full, as Jim was one of a kind.

Because of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, we are unable to gather as a group to toast Jim, and to hear the many stories of his escapades from all who loved him: friends, colleagues, and family members. We ask that you take a moment to record a story or memory, or add a picture, and post it on his Facebook page. In this way, we can all, separately but together, remember Jim as he so richly deserves, and bid him a loving farewell.