James Edward Hamilton Sr

JimBath – James Edward Hamilton Sr, 89, of Bath passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 with his family by his side. He was born on Great Chebeague Island on Oct 20th, 1923 the son of Ray and Mildred (Turner) Hamilton. He grew up on the Island and graduated from Chebeague Island High School. In 1951 he married his best friend, Beverly Denham and the couple resided in Bath to raise their family.

James was a Civil Service Worker for the Navy after high school, refueling ships on Long Island, Maine. He was also employed by Bath Iron Works, as a ship fitter, and Hyde School, as a maintenance worker, retiring in 1985. James, known to everyone as Papa, had a love for history, anything you wanted to know he had the answer. In his earlier days, working at BIW, he collected hats from each ship that was sailed from the yard, which usually started the topic of the day at South Gate Restaurant, where he would sit and talk with his friends for hours about its history. James was a book of knowledge. He also knew his bible thru and thru. A man of his word. Nothing meant more to James than his family, he loved spending time with them. Sharing special moments on Chebeague Island every summer was something that he cherished. He will be sadly missed by all those who loved him. James was a member of the Woolwich Wiscasset Baptist Church and the Corliss Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Beverly Mildred (Denham) Hamilton; 4 Daughters, Cathy “CJ” Bilodeau and her husband Gary of Durham, Linda Leighton of Emerson NJ, Lori Larochelle of Bath and Tammy Shirley of Bath; a son James E Hamilton J.R. of Brunswick; 11 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great GrandDaughter; a sister Beverly Louise Hamilton Parson Stepler of Chambersburg PA and several nieces and nephews

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations. If you would like to make a donation in James’ name, please send those to: Paw in the Door, C/O Wags & Whiskers, 176 Front Street, Bath, ME 04530 or online at www.pawinthedoor.org

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, December 1st, 2012 from 2:00 – 3:00pm with a service held at 3:00pm at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High STreet, Bath. With a reception to follow at South Gate. Interment will be held on Chebeague Island in the spring.