James “Jim” Willard Haley

James W. Haley age 73 of Pearl, passed away on January 28, 2019.   A Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Purmela Baptist Church. Jim was born on October 23, 1945 in Abilene, TX to the late James Ledoyce Haley and Jessie Mae Hatfield.  He grew up and attended school in the Abilene, Merkel area of West Texas. At the age of 17 Jim joined the U.S. Navy. He was a submarine torpedo specialist for 20 years, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer before retiring.  After his military service he attended seminary school and provided pastoral services for ten years before retiring for the second time.  June 11, 1966 Jim married Dianna Woods while stationed in Tacoma, WA.  After retirement Jim and Dianna traveled the United States in their R.V. and served as hosts for many camp grounds. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Melissa Haley; grandchildren Tabitha Bartlett, and Shane Bartlett. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years Dianna; daughter Patricia Shepler and husband Jeff; son Robert L. Haley and wife Maggie; grandchildren Jeffery, Ashley, Jared, Rosemarie, and Travis; 4 great-grandchildren; and sisters Mildred Yeley and husband Steve, Lucy Horton, and Traci Boland. In lieu of flowers the family request you make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project at the link provided.  https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/