James M. Halstead

James M. Halstead, formerly from Gainesville, GA, passed away at Admirals Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Memory Care Unit, Huron, Ohio, due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease and a broken heart.

Born in Charleston, WV, to William C. Halstead and Opal M. Javins, Jim grew up in Madison, WV. He attended Scott High School, graduating in 1954. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict. During his time in Germany, he traveled through Italy and France visiting iconic landmarks such as the Vatican, the Eifel Tower, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. He also was able to visit the 1936 Olympic venue in Berlin and was allowed to dive off the men's 10-meter swim tower platforms.

When honorably discharged from the military, he enrolled in The Ohio State School of Cosmetology and was in the first graduating class. After graduation, he moved to Sandusky, OH. While working for Steps Beauty Salon, he met his first wife in 1960.

Jim married Earleen J. Michaels in Sandusky, OH, in January 1961. In January 1962 they welcomed their only child, Holly. Soon after her birth, Jim moved his family back to Madison, WV, to pursue his dream of opening his own beauty salon. From 1964 to 1973, Jame's Hair Styling was the trendsetter in the region.

Jim was offered a position to work with Jheri Redding (the leading beauty chemist of the time) and his new business, Jhirmack. Jim and his family moved back to Sandusky, OH, and he became the distributor and educator throughout Ohio and held beauty shows and seminars in Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC. After retiring from the beauty industry, Jim wanted to give back to fellow veterans, so he began working with the Ohio Veteran's Home as a driver to take veterans to events and appointments. He developed a bond with many of the veterans he cared for and was very proud of this role.

Jim and Earleen were married for 41 years, until her passing in 2002. After her death, Jim attended a high school reunion, for Scott High School, where he rekindled a friendship with his high school sweetheart, Angela Justice Pharr. They were married in April 2009, and he moved to Gainesville, GA. They were married for almost 15 years and were just as in love as the young teenagers they once were. They truly were soul mates. She cared for him up until her tragic accident when she unexpectedly passed Jan, 26,2024.  

Over the years, Jim's greatest joy was his family. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Holly (Dan) Clayman; his grandchildren, Brian (Lauren) Clayman, Mark (Kristin) Clayman, and Kelly (David) Belmont; along with his great-grandchildren, Coen & Hayden Clayman, Kasey & Austin Clayman, and Weston & Wyatt Belmont. Jim always supported his grandchildren in their activities, especially Huron Tiger football, baseball, volleyball, and tennis.

Jim was a member at Madison Baptist Church, Madison, WV, Sandusky Baptist Temple, Sandusky, OH, and attended Maranatha Baptist Church, Georgia, with his wife. He was also a member of AMVETS, FOE, VFW, and American Legion. He loved boating on Lake Erie, OH, and vacations on Lake Cumberland, KY. One of his lifelong dreams came true with he was 74 years old, and he was able to go Skydiving. Truly one of his greatest passions was Boomerangs. He loved the challenge of throwing them and making them. He would share a few Boomerangs and his knowledge with anyone interested.  

Special thanks to Pruitt Health & Hospice, Gainesville, GA, Western Reserve/Stein Hospice, Sandusky, OH, and Admirals Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation, Huron, OH, for the care of Jim and his entire family.  

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at the S.M. Javins Family Cemetery, Peytona, West Virginia. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Osborne / Erie MetroParks, 3910 Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH, 44870.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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