James Walter Hamilton, Sr.

To view the service via YouTube please use the link below: ttps://m.fhttps://www.youtube.com/live/J0agmp1hLv0? To view the service via Facebook please use the link below: https://m.facebook.com/events/1273896716934262? Time to be Born: James began his earthly journey through the union of Willie Nelson Hamilton and Olivia E. T. Clakley on December 29, 1935, in Cocoa, Florida. His younger years were in Cocoa, Florida until the family moved to Mount Dora, Florida. The family would soon move to Tangerine, Florida, where he would reside until his health began to fail him. Time to Learn: James begins his early childhood education at the Tangerine Community School, then goes on to Phyllis Wheatly in Apopka from there to Hungerford High School in Eatonville. Time to Love: In 1955 back in Mount Dora, FL he met and married the lovely Katie Mae Stiggons (deceased). They lived a short while in Miami, Florida only to learn it was to far away from family. To this union, there were 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys; Brenda, Sandra, Larosalind, James Jr., and Timothy. James never remarried after the passing of his wife Katie in 1990. Time to Plant: As James journeyed into life, he became known as “Buck” to his school friends, “Hamp” to some close friends, “Mr. Hamilton” to employers and co-workers, “DaddyO, Dea, GP, Big Easy, and teenager” to some special friends, “Bro, Hamp, Uncle Buck, and Uncle James” to his siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, “Big Popa, Daddy, Pop, Old man, and Dad” to his children, and “GrandPa, and Twopa” to his grands and great- grands. His favorite name to be called was a child of the Highest King. James committed his life to the Lord at a young age. He later joined Mount Zion A. M. E. Church; the church founded by his grandmother, mother, and aunt founded. He was baptized in the lake under the leadership of Reverend Ponell. He would faithfully make certain that his mother (Olivia) and grandmother (Bessie affectionately known as Ma Bess) had a ride to church. James was a very active member and was appointed as a Steward. He served faithfully and was proud to be a Steward. He later moved his membership to Bethel Independent Free Methodist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Lucious Taylor. There, he was an active member until his health began to decline. During the decline of his health, he moved in with his daughter and often attended Gethsemane Baptist Church until he was no longer able to attend. James began his employment doing many labor jobs in the Miami area. Upon moving back to Lake and Orange County he found employment as a Labor worker in the areas of construction, fruit picking, and landscaping. From there he worked as an agricultural worker until gaining employment with the Lake County School system as a custodian. He was the head custodian for 34 years and 4 months before retiring. For several years after retiring, James had his own lawn service which he passed on to his younger son (Timothy). James, pastime hobby was fishing which he enjoyed with his mother, sister, and friends. For family reunions, he would always have his boat to ride the family around Lake Harris or Mount Dora Lake. As a good bowler, he was in leagues in Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, and Orlando. His highest score was a 300 allowing him to travel to California to bowl in a league. James had much to share as a Boy Scout leader and a girls softball coach. He found joy in teaching the youth how to be men and young ladies. Time for Family: He instilled in his children the best things in life, how to work hard, and how to play and enjoy life as well. He would work them hard during the summer but always would often take them on vacations and weekend getaways. He taught them to always have a heart for God. Alone side his wife (Katie) there would be prayer time and bible study at the table. Until his passing every Sunday or when there would be a crisis within the family there would be family prayer by means of telecommunication with his children. He always thanked God for having a praying group of children. James was preceded in death by, Katie Mae Stiggons Hamilton (Wife); Willie Nelson Hamilton Sr. (Father); Olivia E. Clakley Hamilton (Mother); Bessie T. Strickland (Grandmother); Paris, Karlton and Crystal (grandchildren) Berry Hamilton (Brother); Willie Bessie Barnes (Sister); Jessie Bell Hamilton (Sister); Jerusha Collins (Sister); Rev. Andrew Hamilton (Brother); Charles K. Major, and Walter L. Jones (sons-in-law). Time To Mourn: Children: Brenda Major Jones (Cliffton Benn) Eustis, FL; Sandra Ann Hamilton (Kevin), Cincinnati, OH; LaRosalind Jones (Spencer), Daytona, FL; James Walter Hamilton Jr. (Debroah), Mayo FL; and Timothy Cornelius Hamilton (Debroah), Tangerine, FL; 16 Grandchildren: Jimmie Jones (Chico) (Kesha); Abdual (PJ) Major (Stacey); Eric Jones (Teona); Ericka Loyd, Eric Loyd; Timothy Rouse (Symone); Daniel Major (Erica); Keith Hamilton (Jolanda); Kendra Hamilton (James); Thryshon Battle; Kimberly Ecoles (Ryan); Latrica Pineda (Antonio); Carl McCray; Timothy Wiggins; Annice McDonald; Lamont McDonald; Rosalind McDonald; Jason Terry; 40 Great grandchildren; 2 Brothers: Willie Nelson Hamilton (Pauline); Reverend Glendy Hamilton; A Special Lady: Myra Horey; Brother in Law, Clarence Curry; A host of phone Ministry friends; A host of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and friends. Bonus Daughters: Carol Roberts, Jennifer B., Melanie Niblack, Philomena Bodie, and Vickie Reed

Tributes

James Walter Hamilton, Sr.

December 29, 1935 - September 25, 2024