James Karold Tilton Lynch was born November 13, 1927, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Katie Jacobs Lynch and the late Dr. A.T. Lynch. Hal is the father of the late Micheal and Danny Lynch, as well as four grown children with five grandchildren, all of whom live and work in Colorado and California. Hal and his mother, Mrs. Katie Lynch Sandberg, reside on Barnes Street in Opp.
Hal grew up in Opp, attended Opp Schools, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was at Okinawa when he graduated in absentia with the Class of 1945. He is a 1952 graduate of the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Business Administration. Later he received his MBA from USC, and a Master’s in Anthropology (folk music) from UCLA. He is a co-owner of Theatre West in Los Angeles, which provides training for stage and screen actors.
Hal worked for Douglas Aircraft for a year, and in 1953, in a “wild moment of frustration”. quit his job designing fire extinguisher brackets and embarked on a career of folk singing and stage acting, which eventually led to recognition as a performer. In 1963 he and five other actors took Edgar Lee Masters’ work Spoon River Anthology to Broadway where it was very successful.
Hal’s film career began in 1964 when he appeared in an episode of Gunsmoke. Over the next twelve years he appeared in over two hundred TV shows, including Barnaby Jones. Star Trek. Rockford Files, Big Valley, and Cannon. His movie career includes more than twenty films, including Stagecoach, The Wild Rovers and Rosie. Hal also wrote for TV and sold several scripts, and he had great success with two plays. Three Miles to Poley and Heroes of Opp, for which his grandfather Bird Jacobs was the inspiration.
Though established as an entertainer in Hollywood, Hal made the decision to return to Opp where he believed life might be less complex for his son Michael, and in 1976 he and Michael moved into an 1894 house on Barnes Street, just a few doors from Hal’s boyhood home. Father and son spent much time restoring their home, building a barn and planting the garden.
Hal has been involved in many activities in this community. He has been dedicated to his hometown and the preservation of its history. His activity and energy in planning, developing and raising funds for the Opp Historical Society have been overwhelming. He has served many years as president and secretary of the Society and has been instrumental in the construction of the new Historical House built in Delia-Memorial Park.
Hal’s gift for storytelling and his generosity are evident in his many contributions to the children of Opp. With stories, guitar and songs he has added much interest to annual Heritage Days at South Highlands and other schools about the county. His impersonation of Mark Twain at Opp Middle School’s Tom Sawyer Day made tales of river life come alive. Also, he has given his time and talents many times at First Baptist Church with Easter and Christmas cantata/drama presentations.
James Harold Tilton Lynch, an outstanding citizen of Opp, has many attributes that make him a distinguished citizen. His dedication to the preservation of Opp’s history and his many talents, which he generously shares, help make him a notable citizen. His gentle spirit, dedication to purpose, and love for his fellow man endear him to the citizens of this community. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.
