Jim Hall, 1934-2011

[Ken Edwards]

I just learned that Jim Hall of Idaho Falls, Idaho, died on December 27, 2011.

Jim was a genuine taxidermy legend, and he was responsible for the development of  many of the industry standards which we now take for granted. It is impossible to overstate his contributions to taxidermy, from being involved in the genesis of live taxidermy seminars, the World Taxidermy Championships, Breakthrough Magazine, taxidermy instruction manuals, taxidermy video seminars, Polytranspar Airbrush Paint, and Master Paint Systems, which later became WASCO.

Jim was a brilliant engineer, an outstanding teacher, a great writer, a visionary, and an groundbreaking master taxidermist. His innovative depictions of wildlife in interaction with man opened up a whole new genre of taxidermy displays which is still the main influence in competitions today. Jim was also an accomplished gunsmith, a competitive marksman, and a devoted family man. He was a loyal friend, an avid outdoorsman, and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Harold-Hall&lc=6735&pid=155258009&mid=4940066&locale=fr-CA


This otter and salmon scene by Jim Hall was featured on the cover of the second issue of Breakthrough in the spring of 1983.

[TMALONE]

I had Jim mount me a rainbow in 1976, it still looks good.  His work inspired me!!

[Wildlife 1]

Sad to hear. A true Legend to leave us last year

[linder]

Hate to hear that ,He was truly a pioneer of the art.

[John Bellucci]

Awww ... such a loss!  Jim was one of the greats.  I recall meeting him at one of the World Shows, and he really helped me understand my Pache' airbrush.  Rest in peace, good sir.  You will be missed, and will be fondly remembered.

[Jerry Huffaker]

RIP Jim, a true artist

[boxerpet]

I am truly saddened by the loss of Jim Hall. I talked with him 3 months ago and knew he had some very serious health problems.
Jim taught fish taxidermy for me at my school in the seventies and eighties.
His Fish Taxidermy was the best for the time and he taught all of us the meaning of true quality.
He was as Ken stated a genius of a man and would do anything for you.
My sons and I hunted antelope with him and he helped my son, Tom  acquire a new Ruger 270 and guided him on this first successful antelope hunt in Wyoming

His workshops were a wonder to behold .I cannot say enough about his contributions to the taxidermy industry. He was a true professional.

My prayers go out to Nancy his wife and all those who knew him as I did.

He brought taxidermy out of the dark ages.

Rest in piece, I will miss you my friend.

Harry and Carol Paulson

[Joey P Holmes]

He made a difference in our work and lives.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family.

[Old Fart]

I count myself among the lucky, to have been able to call Jim, "friend". We fell out of touch a number of years ago and every time I thought of him I vowed to try to get back in touch with him.  Sadly, I failed to do so and now I really regret that. I didn't realize that he was as old as he was. He was an inspiration and his contributions to taxidermy are greater than he will ever get credit for.

[pir^2h]

Wow, so many icons of the industry have left us in the couple years.  My familes thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. 

[Matt]

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family. I didn't know him personally, but knew of the contributions and dedication he had in this industry, truly a great man and asset to us all. He will be missed.

[Skywalker]

So sorry to hear of this. I have that #2 Breakthrough. Its a treasure.

[Bill Yox]

Some of us just were talking about him, and his accomplishments. Sorry to hear this sad news.

[srholmes30]

 Jim's Family are in my prayers

[alexm]

 Great loss I took his fish class in 1984  sad.