Skyland Fire Fighter Remembered

Skyland -- January 13, 2025: Skyland Fire Department: James (Jimmy) Henry Hall, age 73, of Arden, passed away on January 3, 2025.

He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service that

spanned over five decades to his community and a family that loved him deeply.
Jimmy began his lifelong commitment to firefighting at the young age of 18 when he joined the Skyland Fire Department on June 19, 1969.

Over the course of 55 ½ years, Jimmy earned the respect of his peers and the community as he rose through the ranks, from a volunteer firefighter to Assistant Chief. His impact on the department was immeasurable, and his legacy within the Skyland Fire Department will forever be a part of its history.

In addition to his volunteer service, Jimmy was hired full-time by the Skyland Fire Department on October 1, 1975, and served with distinction until he transferred to the Asheville Fire Department on July 1, 1988. He spent the remainder of his career at the Asheville Fire Department, retiring on July 1, 2001. Even in retirement, Jimmy remained an active volunteer member of the Skyland Fire Department, continuing to give back to the community he loved.

Jimmy's service extended beyond firefighting. From 1978 to the early 1990s, he worked for Buncombe County as an Emergency Dispatcher, handling fire, EMS, and law enforcement calls. He also worked for the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, beginning as a Reserve Officer on January 30, 1978, and later transferring to Fleet Maintenance. Jimmy retired from the Sheriff's Office on August 8, 2024 after years of dedicated service.

Jimmy was known for his strong work ethic, calmness under pressure, and his deep compassion for those he served. His contributions were not only in times of emergency but in countless quiet acts of service and leadership. His presence will be profoundly missed by his family, colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives he touched.

Above Image: Skyland Fire Department

Cover Image: WNCTimes