James R. "Mouse" Hale, 89, of Defiance, passed away on  Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
  
He was born on April 9, 1928 to Ralph and Geneva (Schlegel) Hale in Adrian, Michigan. Jim was a 1946 graduate of  Defiance High School, and a 1956 graduate of The University of Toledo, where he obtained his pharmacology degree. On September 11, 1948 he married Marie A. Heil, who preceded him in death in 2014.

As a registered pharmacist for over 50 years, Jim started his career at Kuntz Drugs, where he became co-owner in 1968. Jim eventually  went to work for Red Cross Drugs in Archbold for 14 years, as well as Revco, Adams Pharmacy,  and Daoust Drugs in Defiance, before officially retiring in 2007 after 5 years with Okuley's Pharmacy in Continental. Jim was a standout high school athlete in basketball, baseball, and track. He continued his love of sports all his life, playing golf and bowling in various leagues at the Holiday Lanes. He was a devoted NY Yankee fan, a huge fan of University of Michigan football, and he enjoyed playing cards and visits to the casino. He was a life member of Elks Lodge #147 and past president of Defiance Kiwanis.

Jim always had a kind word for the many people that he knew. Jim was known for his contagious smile and unceasing sense of humor and positive attitude. Jim had many friends and colleagues, and he will be greatly missed by so many that loved him.
  
Jim is survived by his daughters, Diane (Frederick) Bokop of Defiance, Denise (George) Findling of  Bend, OR, and Julie (Garrett) Koebel of Colorado Springs, CO, son-in-law, John E. Ridenour of Davenport, IA, brother Jack Hale of Defiance, sister Judy (William) Stancil of St. Louis, MO, aunt Josephine A. Leach of Defiance, sisters-in-law Lettie Hale of Defiance, and Joanne Hale of Richmond, VA, brother-in-law Robert Heil, Sr. of Defiance, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and close family friend Judy Rex of Bryan, OH. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marie, daughter, Debra J. Ridenour, brothers, Eugene C. Hale and Thomas F. Hale.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio.  A private service and burial will take place at Webb Cemetery.
  
Memorials may be directed to The Defiance County Humane Society, or CHP Defiance Hospice Center.