Obituary of James William Hales

James W. (Jim) Hales went to be with the Lord on July, 17, 2017. He was 83 years old. Jim was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 19, 1934 to Mathias and Velma (Badgely) Hales. Jim graduated from Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1952. He then came to Coffeyville Community College on a football scholarship to play for the Red Ravens. He graduated from CCC in 1954. While at CCC, he met his wife, Jeannine (George) Hales. They married December 20, 1953, in their sophomore year in a beautiful Christmas wedding. Three years later they had their one and only child, Janis (Hales) Frye. After graduating from CCC, he started furthering his education and was awarded his Bachelor's degree in Education from Pittsburg State University and later his Master's degree in Education at Azusa Pacific College in California. He began his first teaching position in a two teacher school in Chautauqua, KS. He taught the upper grades while Jeannine taught the lower grades. They then moved to Hugoton, KS to teach for 2 years. They then moved to Coffeyville, KS to teach for 10 years. Jim taught 5th grade and loved every minute of it. In 1969, they moved to California and taught there for 10 years. While in California Jim was instrumental in developing the Star Math program for all the elementary schools in California. Then back to Coffeyville to teach the remainder of his career before retiring in 1999. While teaching in Coffeyville him and a fellow teacher, Vernie Stallings served on a salary committee together and were instrumental in gaining a salary increase for women teachers. At the time, women teachers were paid $400 less a year than male teachers. Due to this service, women were finally paid the same as their fellow male teachers. His hobby was designing homes. He designed and helped build the home in which he was currently residing as well as a previous home and several other homes in the South Coffeyville/Coffeyville area. He also designed and helped build the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in South Coffeyville. Until his health declined, Jim was an active member of the First Baptist Church, South Coffeyville. He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, in the Children's ministry and a choir member. Leaving to honor his memory is his wife of 63 years, Jeannine and daughter Janis Frye. Also, Jim was the proud grandfather of James (Brooke) Hampton, Melissa (Joel) Guinn, Richie (Ashley) Frye, April (Michael) Zillifro, and Eric (Ashley) Frye. He also had 11 great grandchildren and one on the way, Drake, Jazzi, Hunter, Harley, Hutson, Riley, Reagan, Dylan, Kaylee, Dallas, Charlotte and 4 great-great grandchildren. His quiver was full. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, one sister, his mother and father-in-law and his son-in-law. Friends may call on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, with Pastor Jonathan Filson officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of South Coffeyville or Salvation Army Community Service Volunteers (SACSV); contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.