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James started carpentry at an early age. He became a master carpenter and later got into the construction business. He partnered with Willie Brown and they were the first black licensed contractors in Selma,, Hale and Brown Construction. He has built many churches and houses throughout Selma and surrounding areas. James served on the Dallas County Water and Sewer Board and he was the chairman of the Snow Hill Institute Board. He was a board member of the East Dallas District Association and served on different committees.

Although he was low in stature, he was a giant of a man. He loved life, food, and family. But most of all he loved the Lord. He touched the hearts of many men and women.

He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Josephine Hale; wife Juanita Hale; grandson Rodney Brown; and siblings: Alex Hale, Ida Mae Crenshaw, Nathaniel Grace, Hattie Bailey, Bernice Moore, Wilson Hale, and Robert Hale. He was the last of the siblings. James leaves to cherish his memory a devoted daughter, Bernice Brown; grandchildren Kimberly (Alex) Perkins, Stacy Brown; five great-grandchildren: Rodney Brown, Alex Perkins, Johnathan Brown, Joshua Brown, Ciara Perkins all of Selma; brother-in-law John (Katie) Craig; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020, 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive #2 Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Anthony Shears, Officiating  and directed by Randall Miller Funeral Service, Inc.