A Man for All Seasons
The St John Ambulance Association of Jamaica is deeply saddened at the passing of Professor the Honourable Sir John Hall, Vice Chairman of the Order of St John in Jamaica and Commandant of the St John Ambulance Brigade in Jamaica.
Sir John, who was regarded as Jamaica’s foremost and eminent neurologist, had a long and illustrious history with St John Ambulance Association. He was Vice Chairman of the Association, National Commandant, and Medical Director of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Over his 62 years of service to the Association, which is almost half the time of the entire history of St John in Jamaica (which celebrates 162 years in 2025), Sir John was the embodiment of the motto of St John – For the Faith in the Service of Humanity.
Committed to Humble Service
He joined the Leadership Corps and National Council of St John Jamaica in 1963 after his return to Jamaica from his specialist studies in neurology in the UK and USA. As a member, he carefully studied the regulations of the Association and was meticulous in ensuring they were followed.
Sir John was promoted to the rank of Commander of the Order of St John in 1979 for his outstanding service; and in 2019, he was vested with the prestigious honour of Knight of Grace.
St John Ambulance Jamaica took immense pride in the many accolades and awards Sir John received, including the Government of Jamaica’s National Honours: Commander of the Order of Distinction and the Order of Jamaica. Additionally, he received recognition from the Medical Council of Jamaica, the Medical Association of Jamaica for outstanding service, and even a Nigerian chieftaincy in 2017.
Supporting Jamaica’s Health Journey
Sir John worked diligently to help grow the volunteer corps and leveraged his extensive professional network as Chairman of the Medical Council of Jamaica and President of the Medical Association of Jamaica. This helped expand the group to develop a cadre of medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, practical nurses, physiotherapists, and other professionals.
He was deeply invested in both the quantity and quality of volunteers the Association attracted, ensuring they received proper training and consistently achieved record numbers of service hours each year across Jamaica, the Caribbean, North America, and Latin America.
He was very supportive of any initiative that helped to strengthen the lifesaving capacity of the volunteer service corps and improve the lives of many Jamaicans. Consequently, the Association secured several grants and donations, forging valuable partnerships that enabled significant upgrades in emergency care equipment such as automated external defibrillators.
Sir John was keen on ensuring that the St John team demonstrated the St John motto of ‘Saving Lives at Home, Work and Play’ by providing vital medical coverage at events including national and sporting activities, as well as state functions, including visits of heads of state.
His Impact
Several members of St John Jamaica reflect on the life and legacy of Sir John:
Hon. Earl Jarrett, OJ, CD, CStJ, Chairman
“We remember Sir John with love, great respect, and appreciation. His impactful work, mission, and mantra ‘to press on always regardless’ will always inspire us to higher service.”
Mr. Aulous Madden, CStJ, National Treasurer
“I recall several visits with Sir John to St Paul’s Cathedral in the United Kingdom to attend the annual St John’s Day service, a mega inspirational religious experience that attracts St John volunteers from all over, at which they recommit their pledge to work and save lives anywhere and everywhere.”
Lt. Col Oral Khan, CStJ
“Sir John’s passing is a tremendous loss to the medical community at home and abroad.”
Very Rev. Father Peter Clarke, Council Member
“Sir John was a luminary who was very enthralled about the prospects of the formation of a Knights of St John Jamaica Commandery, which would represent a very important promotion of the Jamaica Association in the status in the Order. The passing of Sir Clement Powell and Sir John has placed a pregnant pause on this plan.”
Ms. Alison Christie Binger, former Executive Director
“Sir John was a man for all seasons who was always impeccable in style, grace, and speech. We all benefited from his sterling leadership and wisdom.”
‘Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory.’
‘Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.’
Psalm 115:1
Closing Tribute from St John International
On behalf of St John International, we join the St John Ambulance Association of Jamaica in mourning the loss of Professor the Honourable Sir John Ambrose Hall, OJ, OD, KStJ, JP. Sir John’s 62 years of dedicated service to St John exemplified our mission of service to humanity. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting legacy across Jamaica and beyond.
As we honor his memory, we are inspired by his unwavering dedication and the example he set for future generations of volunteers. Rest in peace, Sir John – your legacy of service will continue to guide us all.
