Hales loved Pea Ridge

Dear Pea Ridge friends and especially Annette,

I am overwhelmed by the tribute your paper has published to honor James (Jay) Hale. We have been away for over 20 years. It would have been easy for me to think that few would even remember our having lived there.

Jay and I married after his graduation from the University of Arkansas and moved to Colorado to find technical career opportunities that weren’t as available here. We loved our time there, but it wasn’t home, so a job offer at Daisy Manufacturing in 1970 gave us the reason to return. We had decided to start looking for property as far north as Pea Ridge and south as Fayetteville. The first place we looked at just south of downtown Pea Ridge had everything we wanted so we never looked at another listing.

The people of Pea Ridge impressed Jay in particular. He felt the importance of being part of the community and blending priorities of career and community equally. The more he became involved, the greater potential he saw for the town’s future. Deep friendships grew out of involvement with the fire department and evolved into motorcycle trips and an active social life.

I think we were blessed to see Pea Ridge during its coming of age. Jay was not alone in making it happen. Laying a foundation is only as good as those inspired to build on it. When Jay became disabled, Pea Ridge remained in his heart. His last wish, which I’m sad wasn’t realized, was to see Pea Ridge again. It is a very special place!

With thanks for wonderful memories,

Joyce Hale

Fayetteville