Dr. James Halie II

The Haile family is saddened to announce that James Benjamin Haile II, MD, of Prospect, Kentucky, died on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the age of 79. Dr. Haile was born on December 5, 1946, in Sumter, South Carolina, the youngest child of the Rev. Dr. James B. Haile Sr. and Carrie Haile. 

Dr. Haile was a 1966 graduate of Morehouse College, who later pursued an MA in Sociology at Indiana University Bloomington. In 1968, he moved to Washington, DC, to teach science at McGogney Elementary School. It was there he met 2nd grade teacher Desiree. They fell in love and married in 1970.

In 1975, Dr. Haile graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He then interned at the Harlem Hospital-Columbia and completed his residency at New York Hospital-Cornell. During this time, he and Desiree welcomed their two children: Jennifer Diane, J.D., and James III, Ph.D.

The family then moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where Dr. Haile established his 42-year private practice. In one year alone, he delivered more than 700 babies. Patients adored him, describing him as “heaven-sent” and “a truly gifted physician and blessed human being.”

His family will remember him most as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. They remember his passion for jazz, antique stereos, politics, philosophy, and nature. He was a steadfast protector who instilled the value of education, hard work, and self-belief.

He is survived by his loving wife, Desiree; his children, Jennifer and James III (Shanelle); his three grandchildren, Iman, Hanna, and Olivia; his two sisters, Bette (the late George Jr.) and Barbara (John); his sister-in-law, Patricia (Ron); his nephew, George III; his two nieces, Stacey and LaWanda; and his many dear friends.

The family will hold a celebration of Dr. Haile’s life in Sumter, South Carolina, at a date to be announced.

Job’s Mortuary, Inc. 312 South Main Street is in charge of arrangements.