James Balmer Hall was born on March 24, 1936, in Port Huron, Michigan, the son of Mary and Noah Hall.

After graduating from West Point in 1958, twenty-six years of distinguished service in the Army Corps of Engineers followed, including Viet Nam, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the US, while he commanded units from platoon to brigade. As contracting officer, he oversaw projects in Jordan, Oman, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. His final assignment included responsibility over the $2B Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. Jim's subsequent 14-year civilian career started in the nuclear industry and went on to include environmental remediation, serving as Vice President of a company that became Dow Environmental.

For eight years he was an elder of the Ashburn Presbyterian Church, serving as chairman of the building committee, overseeing construction of a new sanctuary and a preschool/education facility, expansion of the fellowship hall and renovation of the historic 1876 chapel.

Jim epitomized the motto of West Point: Duty, Honor, Country. He did his duty honorably, served his country with distinction, and loved his family and his God.

Jim leaves his wife Betsy, sons James and Michael, daughter Susan Casale, sister Elizabeth Butler, their spouses, seven grandchildren, four nieces and two nephews.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 am on September 5, 2015 at Ashburn Presbyterian Church, 20962 Ashburn Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147. Interment at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.