James Newell Hall, Jr.
June 6, 1920 ~ April 5, 2010
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
James Newell 'Swamp' Hall, Jr., 89, passed away April 5, 2010. Survived by his son, Dr. James N. (Nancy) Hall, III of Sheridan, Wyo.; grandchildren, Gretchen K. (Peter Solomon) Hall and Alberta S.(Douglas) Utech; and great-grandchildren, Sadie O. and Eliza B. Solomon. Preceded in death by his wife, Joan Roma Hall on July 20, 2001; and his parents, James N. and Theresia B. Hall. Newell was born June 9, 1920, in Denver, Colo. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1938, graduated from Pueblo Junior College in 1940 and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming in 1942, majoring in journalism and a minor in economics and political science. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII; entering as Chief Specialist, Athletics, commissioned as Ensign, and served in Armed Guard as a commanding officer of naval gun crew on merchant ship. Newell started his long and fulfilling career in charge of personnel and student services at Sprayberry Academy of Radio, a large correspondence school; worked for many years at Sam Jones Insurance Agency, culminating as president and chairman of the board; president and chairman of the board of Premium Finance Company; president of School District #60 and Pueblo Waterworks Insurance Committees; president of Title Building Corporation from 1970 to 1984; and consultant with Centennial Agency from 1984 to 2001. Newell was an avid sports fan. In college he was on the track, football and baseball teams. He coached and was athletic director at various US Navy stations. He officiated at high school and college football and basketball games for more than 25 years. Past president of Pueblo Study Group and Colorado Football Officials; vice president of State Group for four years; life member of International Association of approved Basketball Officials; charter member , past president and member of the Executive Committee of the All- State Games committee, which was responsible for the annual Colorado coaches clinic and All-State Football and Basketball games. He was also past chairman and trustee of Al Kaly Temple's annual football game for crippled children. In 1977, he was elected as the first non-active coach to the Colorado Coaches Hall of Fame. He was president and chairman of Pueblo Stadium Expansion Inc., now Dutch Clark Stadium, and was elected into the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame. He was a life member of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Wyoming, Pueblo Lodge #17 A.F. & A. M., Southern Colorado Consistory, potentate in 1984 of Al Kaly Shrine Temple, director of Pueblo Court #110, Royal Order of Jesters and Tong #8 of the Mandarins. He was an active member and many times board member of many other civic and service organizations in Pueblo. At his request, there will be no viewing or services. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Newell and I were Potentates in 1984. We had a great time together. We were also college fraternity brothers. Elaine & I are deeply saddened by his passing. Our sincere sympathies to Newell’s family
We have many fond memories of the many trips that Swamp and Joan made to our cabins. We shared meals together and just enjoyed each others company. Dave was so pleased to drive them home after their accident up here. Swamp was also our insurance agent and helped us a great deal that way. Hope some day we can meet the family.
I have many fond memories of my grandpa from my childhood. Maybe none so vivid as the night we all celebrated his election as the Potentate of Al Kaly temple. The Potentate’s Ball was certainly the fanciest, most lavish night I’d ever had by that stage of my life. I remember feeling like a member of the first family that night!
Some of the other cherished memories I have of Grandpa Swamp are the times when I was able to introduce him to his great-granddaughters, Sadie and Eliza. He was so tender and sweet with them and the joy I could see on his face made me feel very proud of my girls and very happy that we could all be together as a family.
I ended every phone call with Swamp by saying, “I love you.” And he would always reply, “I hope so! I love you, too! And please give a kiss to my great-granddaughters and to Peter.” I know family was important to Swamp and I hope he did know how much we all loved him.
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and love are with you.
My thoughts and wishes are with you all.
We are so sorry for your loss, and we hope you will find strength in the good memories you have of your dad.
Love, Jane and Hank
To the Newell Hall Family — We all send out deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss. Swamp was a very dear, and life-long friend of my father, Bob Moore. Bob resides in Pueblo with my sister, Lisa, at 4727 Pearcrest Court, 81005. He received the news of Swamp’s passing this week and is very sad. We all have such great memories of Swamp and your family, going back for our generation to the Saturday Night Club. My brother Michael and I loved it when the Club met at our house and we got to open the beer cans and count the poker chips! Swamp also refereed many of our high school games; i have vivid memories of his running the sidelines and blowing his whistle. in later years I’d tease him but he swore he never missed a call! We will all miss Swamp but, like, Bob, he lived a long a very productive life and had a loving family and, so, with his passing there is also reason to be very grateful for a full life, well-lived.
Our best to you all,
Steve Moore, Lisa Moore, and Michael Moore and our families