James R. Hamilton

Palmer - James "Jim" R. Hamilton, 69, of Palmer, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.



He leaves behind his sister, Kathryn A. Wilson and her husband Jim of both Port Charlotte, FL and of Bourne; his brother, David K. Hamilton; his brother-in-law, Steve Lizak; as well as his nephews, David, Kenny, Adam, Kenny, Jonathan, and Peter; and his nieces, Sarah, and Bekka. He was predeceased by his sister, Linda J. Lizak.  He was born in Palmer, son of the late John S. and Merle J. (Willard) Hamilton.



James attended and graduated from Palmer High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974, at the age of 19, and went on to serve his country for the next five years. During that time, he worked as a Fireroom Supervisor, Maintenance Man, and Console Operator.  He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and was awarded the Navy "E" Ribbon for his efforts.  He was so proud to have served his country, and he reveled in the time he got to travel the world with the Navy.  Following his honorable discharge from the service, he worked as a salesperson at Lowes in Ware for many years.



James was a very kind, very generous and loving brother, uncle, and friend to many.  He will be forever loved and missed dearly by all who knew him, but especially by his loving siblings David and Kathryn.  He had a love for fishing, and also watching his favorite old westerns.  He belonged to the Second Congregational Church of Palmer, and he was a member of the Fairview Sportsmens Club in Granby.  He enjoyed his time spent with these communities, and was able to foster meaningful relationships through them.  He was fond of remote-control vehicles as well, and he had a boat, a truck, and a helicopter that he would use in remote control competitions.  He often shared making these memories with his family, and his nephew Peter recalls the last time the helicopter worked.  The engine shut off, and it came crashing down from about 30 - 40 feet up.  One time, James brought Peter to a boat competition and made him a sandwich with chips. This was also Peter's first time trying cream soda, and he fell in love with it thanks to uncle Jim.  Jim was like a teacher to his nieces and nephews, and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of computers with them. In doing so, he became the biggest influence for how Peter would move forward in his career.  If you asked for his help, he was there and always willing to do what he could.  He was also a great fisherman, and he enjoyed tinkering with automobiles in his spare time.  He truly was a jack of all trades.



A graveside service for James will be held in the Oak Knoll Cemetery in Palmer on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, donations in James' memory may be made to the Fairview Sportsmens Club, P.O. Box 288, Granby, MA 01033, or to a donation or charity of your choice.



Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware is assisting his family with arrangements.

An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com