Technical Sergeant Willis "Jim" Rozelle Hall

Technical Sergeant Willis "Jim" Rozelle Hall, born on August 9, 1927, in Rose, Kansas to Albert E. and Carlie Puckett Hall. Willis was (MIA) on March 11, 1968, in Houaphanh Province, Laos. He lived a life of dedication and service to his country, family, and community. Willis’s legacy is marked not only by his military achievements but also by the warmth of his character and the love he shared with those around him.

Willis was a proud member of the Merchant Marine, Air Force, Kansas Air National Guard, Army then finished his service with the U.S. Air Forces, serving with Detachment 1, 1043rd Radar Evaluation Squadron. His remarkable service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Bronze Star with a V for Valor. Additionally, he received Honorable Service Awards from both the Army and the Air Force. A graduate of the Army's GED program, Willis furthered his education by taking college courses during his service, specializing in teletype maintenance and repair and cryptography.

He began his education in a rural one-room schoolhouse. Willis was known for being a mild-mannered individual who never raised his voice. His home was an open-door haven, welcoming to friends and family alike, and he became a mentor to many of the young Airmen with whom he worked. A true Christian man, Willis instilled strong values within his family, raising them with love and kindness.

Willis Rozelle Hall was united in marriage to Mary Catherine (Kate) Wolf in 1953, and she passed in December of 1998.

Among Willis's proudest accomplishments was the love of his family. He is survived by his son, Steven Rozelle Hall, and daughter-in-law, Vicki, as well as four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and son in law Fred Press, who carry forward his legacy. Willis was a proud father to his daughter Laura Jean (Hall) Press she passed away in December of 2004.

Willis had a zest for life that included hobbies such as hunting and fishing, though he found his greatest joy in working on cars. He possessed a unique ability to connect with children, earning him the affectionate title of "kid magnet" and was a gentle giant among those who knew him.

On March 11, 1968, Willis made the ultimate sacrifice during a sapper attack by North Vietnamese soldiers against a U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Navigation system in Laos. He was one of eleven Air Force personnel killed in that tragic incident. Though his remains were not recovered at the time, the military has since accounted for Technical Sergeant Hall, and his service and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.

Willis's repatriation will be Thursday September 11th, 2025.

Visitation will be held on Saturday September 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship Church in Altoona, Kansas. Willis will then be laid to rest at Altoona Cemetery.

Technical Sergeant Willis "Jim" Rozelle Hall will be remembered not only for his service to his country but also for the loving spirit he embodied. Welcome Home, Sir. Your impact on the lives you touched will never be forgotten.

The family wishes to thank MSgt. Jose Flores for escorting Willis on his final journey home.