Obituary of John Hall

John R. Hall Jr. went home May 4, 2015. As you would expect, he did it on his own terms, surrounded by his family and animals in his home on Mitchell Hollow Rd., Odessa, NY. His parents, Joan, his wife of 49 years, and his son-in-law, Frank Cowen met him when he arrived. He is survived by his sister, Mary Jo McIntyre, daughters: Jody (David) Swartout, Julee(Frank) Cowen, Bobbi (Doug) Smorol and Stacy Jo, who lived at home and cared for him. He proudly told everyone that he had 7 beautiful grandsons and he loved each one of them unconditionally. John had six great grandchildren and another one expected in August. His last days were spent with his German Shepherds, Buddy and Cody and that silly barn cat with the frost- bit ears, Barney. John was born in Beaver, West Virginia in 1930. He moved with his family to Odessa, NY at the age of 7. He was well known for his work ethic at an early age, working alongside his father at Cotton Hanlon Lumber Mill on weekends at age 9 and starting a horse drawn garbage route in Odessa when he was only 12. John attended Syracuse University on a full scholarship. He graduated with honors as a civil engineer in 1952. He served four years in the Navy after college as he and Joan started their family. After a short career at IBM, he started his own successful construction company which ran for 30 years. He bought his first horse at the age of 12 and never was without a horse after that. John raised and sold some of the finest Clydesdale horses in the country. With the help of his girls, he successfully showed a six horse hitch for many years at county fairs and the state fair. He enjoyed swapping stories with horsemen all over the United States and Canada. John was a man of integrity, honesty, and kindness with a sense of humor that lives on through his family. He was a true gentleman. The world was a better place because he was here. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, and on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm with funeral services immediately following. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery in Odessa. Donations can be made in his memory to Children's Miracle Network or Schuyler Co. Humane Society.