James M. Hales1931 - 2017James Marion Hales, 85, of Pensacola, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Jim was born on October 5, 1931 in Wilmington, North Carolina. His mother Mary Gore Chambers, father James Hales and his stepfather Bruce Chambers predeceased him as did his wives Mazie Freeman Hales and Jolyne (Jan) Blanton, his sister Juanita Hales Miller and brother Houston Hales. Jim received his undergraduate degree from East Carolina College, where he played on the college basketball team. Jim later went on to receive his Master's Degree in Education. He was an elementary teacher for many years before transitioning in 1980 to become a Principal at Warren Elementary School and then in 1987 at Yniestra Elementary School, a role that he continued until his retirement in June 1994. Jim married Mazie Freeman Hales on May 19, 1956, in Greenville, North Carolina. They spent several years in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and in the late 1960's, moved to Pensacola Beach, Florida. Jim and Mazie enjoyed many happy years at the beach with their friends and often hosted visiting family members. They had great adventures during their 55 years of marriage, which included being active members of the Star Dancers Dance Club and could "cut a mean rug" on the dance floor. In the 1970's, Jim was a member of the Pensacola Shrine Club and participated in Shriner parades, which brought smiles to the many children who enjoyed his clowning around. Not to be forgotten were the many Maltese dogs they loved and pampered through the years. Jim was an active member of Gulf Breeze Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir. After he moved to Azalea Trace Retirement Community in 2012, he joined First Baptist Church of Pensacola. Jim took care of Mazie during her years of declining health and after her passing in 2013, he married Jan Blanton. Jim was by Jan's bedside each day until her passing in 2016. Jim is survived by his brother-in-law, Kermit (Joe) Miller; nieces and nephews, Glen Miller and wife Ann and Bruce Miller and wife Diane of Waterford, Connecticut; Kevin Miller and wife Gail of Quaker Hill; Connecticut, Linda Watson Hicks and husband Tom of Edmond, Oklahoma; Susan Watson of Raleigh, North Carolina; first cousin Greg and wife Kathy Christoff of Pensacola Beach, Florida and first cousin Richard Podemski and wife Clare of Pensacola, Florida.A Celebration of Life service was held on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the chapel in Azalea Trace . The committal graveside service followed at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Gulf Breeze.Rose Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. You may offer condolences and sign the guest register at www.roselawn-fh.comExpress your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits