James Lowell “Ham” Hamilton, 86, of Cissna Park passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at his home.
He was born on October 13, 1937 in Watseka, the son of John R. and Mary Ellen (Coughenour) Hamilton. He married Mary Margaret Kane on November 8, 1958 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Piper City and she survives.
Other survivors include, one son, James L. (Lisa) Hamilton Jr. of Ogden; two daughters, Michelle Marie (Doug) Maris of Atlanta, IL and Dr. Marcia Ellen Hamilton of San Diego, CA; five grandchildren, Amanda (Mel) Summers, Jacob Hamilton, Michaela (Joe) Mantarian, Dylan Maris, and Mariah Maris; and one brother, John Burl Hamilton of Gilman.
Ham was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Jeffery Hamilton and Joseph Hamilton.
He was a 1955 graduate of Gilman High School. Ham worked as a track welder for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. He later taught track welding for the railroad in Champaign. Ham was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, Knights of Columbus, and Ducks Unlimited. He was an avid hunter, golfer, and fisherman.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman with Fr. Mike Powell officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gilman.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Memorials may be given to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman.
Please share a memory of James Lowell at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
