James F. Hamilton, 92, passed away July 31, 2023, in Bradenton, FL. Jim was born on March 8, 1931, in Elwood, IN, to James C. Hamilton and Mary E. (Brown) Hamilton. He was a fourth generation native of the Elwood area. His father’s career moves meant Jim spent his formative years in Elwood and Anderson IN, Kansas City, MO, Oakland, CA, and Pittsburgh, PA.
Jim was a 1949 graduate of Elwood High School in Elwood, IN. He served as the captain of their debate team winning a contest against James Dean of the Fairmount High School debate team. After high school, Jim attended Purdue University where he graduated in 1954 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation Jim’s draft deferment expired and he joined the U.S. Army in May of 1954 and was deployed primarily in Italy. After returning from the Army, Jim started his career with the Guide division of General Motors in Anderson, IN, where he worked 30 years as a senior process engineer retiring in July 1985.
In December 1957, Jim married Elizabeth (“Bette”) Paterson who was a graduate of Ball State Teachers College and was an elementary school teacher in Speedway IN. In the 1960s and 1970s he was involved with civic activities including Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He also served as the 1970 President of the morning Exchange Club in Anderson, IN. He obtained a Master of Science from Ball State University and was a registered professional engineer in Indiana. In 1986, he was selected as the Commodore of the Indianapolis Yacht Club of Geist Lake. After retirement, Jim and Bette built a house on Holmes Beach of Anna Maria Island, FL, overlooking Anna Maria Sound. For many years, Jim was active in the Key Royale Club on Anna Maria Island, FL. He particularly enjoyed investing and trading in the stock market. Jim was also an avid world traveler including many trips to Europe and even to Russia. He loved walking and hiking. He hiked the Cinque Terre on the coast of Italy and Peru’s Machu Pichu in his 80s. He was appreciated and respected by all of his children and grandchildren for being a loving and generous person.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (“Bette”) Paterson Hamilton who passed away on July 31, 2011. After Bette’s passing, Jim developed a fond relationship with his companion Nancy Colcord also of Bradenton, FL. They enjoyed spending time together including many international vacations.
He is survived by son, James A. (Kim) Hamilton of Bradenton, FL; grandchildren, James (“Bradley”) Hamilton of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Brice C. Hamilton of Maui, HI; step-grandchildren, Brandee Rimer of Wichita, KS, Brent (Erica) Rimer and their children Karlee, Wesley and Huxley of Parrish, FL; son Jeffrey W. Hamilton of Bradenton, FL; grandchildren, Everett C. (Alexis) Hamilton of San Diego, CA, Olivia Hamilton of Tampa, FL; daughter, Elizabeth (Dr. Lawrence) Born of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Nicholas Born of Chicago, IL, Jameson Born of New York, NY, John Born of Indianapolis, IN, Elizabeth Born of Indianapolis, IN.
A celebration of life will be held in Holmes Beach FL in October at a date to be determined. His interment will be at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
