John M. “Mike” Hall
November 25th, 1937 - March 24th, 2022
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Mike's Obituary
John M. “Mike” Hall, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022.
Mike was born on November 25, 1937, to James & Charlotte (Pulsipher) Hall in Decatur. He graduated from Decatur High School and later continued his education at Western Michigan University earning his Bachelors Degree. Mike proudly served his country in the United States Army before being honorably discharged. On October 3, 1965, Mike married the love of his life B. Gail Baker in Kalamazoo.
Mike taught 2 years in Paw Paw Public Schools and spent the next 30 years teaching in St. Joseph Public Schools as an Elementary PE Teacher. “Mr. Hall” taught in each Elementary Building during his teaching career in St. Joe: Lincoln Elementary, Brown Elementary, Washington Elementary (now Administrative Offices for Berrien County), Jefferson Elementary (now Condominiums), E.P. Clarke Elementary, and North Lincoln Elementary (now a Senior Center). “Mr. Hall” also coached football at Upton Middle School, Youth Basketball, baseball, and Softball. Many summers were spent as the Director of the St. Joseph City Summer Recreation Program at Whittlesey Park (now John & Dede Howard Ice Arena) and Kiwanis Park where kids spent their time in organized summer activities. He created an Elementary School Track Meet for St. Joseph Public School Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade held at Dickinson Stadium every year in May. Towards the end of his teaching career, “Mr. Hall” found himself at the scorers table at home basketball games for St. Joseph High School Boys and Girls Basketball Games. He also spent many hours giving beginning pitching lessons to future fast pitch softball players.
Mike is survived by his children, J. Michael Hall of St. Joseph and Michelle L. (Mark) Kloha of Bay City, MI; grandchildren, Emma & Riley Kloha; brother William “Bill” (Barb) Hall of Arizona; sister-in-law Marjorie Hall of Kalamazoo.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife B. Gail Hall; parents; stepmom Mary Brigham; and brother James “Ike” Hall.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 1PM, at Fairplain Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, with Pastor David Schell officiating. Inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery. Friends may visit with Mike’s family on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 4PM until 6PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, 2580 S. Cleveland Avenue, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menhcinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-559-9450.
Mike was born on November 25, 1937, to James & Charlotte (Pulsipher) Hall in Decatur. He graduated from Decatur High School and later continued his education at Western Michigan University earning his Bachelors Degree. Mike proudly served his country in the United States Army before being honorably discharged. On October 3, 1965, Mike married the love of his life B. Gail Baker in Kalamazoo.
Mike taught 2 years in Paw Paw Public Schools and spent the next 30 years teaching in St. Joseph Public Schools as an Elementary PE Teacher. “Mr. Hall” taught in each Elementary Building during his teaching career in St. Joe: Lincoln Elementary, Brown Elementary, Washington Elementary (now Administrative Offices for Berrien County), Jefferson Elementary (now Condominiums), E.P. Clarke Elementary, and North Lincoln Elementary (now a Senior Center). “Mr. Hall” also coached football at Upton Middle School, Youth Basketball, baseball, and Softball. Many summers were spent as the Director of the St. Joseph City Summer Recreation Program at Whittlesey Park (now John & Dede Howard Ice Arena) and Kiwanis Park where kids spent their time in organized summer activities. He created an Elementary School Track Meet for St. Joseph Public School Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade held at Dickinson Stadium every year in May. Towards the end of his teaching career, “Mr. Hall” found himself at the scorers table at home basketball games for St. Joseph High School Boys and Girls Basketball Games. He also spent many hours giving beginning pitching lessons to future fast pitch softball players.
Mike is survived by his children, J. Michael Hall of St. Joseph and Michelle L. (Mark) Kloha of Bay City, MI; grandchildren, Emma & Riley Kloha; brother William “Bill” (Barb) Hall of Arizona; sister-in-law Marjorie Hall of Kalamazoo.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife B. Gail Hall; parents; stepmom Mary Brigham; and brother James “Ike” Hall.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 1PM, at Fairplain Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, with Pastor David Schell officiating. Inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery. Friends may visit with Mike’s family on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 4PM until 6PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, 2580 S. Cleveland Avenue, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menhcinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-559-9450.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.