Robert J. "Jim" Hamill Jr.

Although he was a very private individual, Jim Hamill was a joy to be around with his wry sense of humor. Independent by nature, he was a hard worker who appreciated the simple things in life, like the place he called home and time spent gardening in his large yard. Caring and loving towards those who knew him best, Jim will be deeply missed and always remembered with a smile. Life in the 1950s was a time of conformity marked by conservative values. Known as the "golden era", the decade gave way to the birth of rock 'n roll, movie greats and prize-winning novels. It was an innovative time, and the introduction of numerous modern conveniences caused manufacturing to soar. In the city of Muskegon, Michigan, 1954 was an especially memorable year in the lives of Robert James Sr. and Margaret Christine (Bedgood) Hamill when blessed with the birth of their infant son, Robert James Jim Hamill Jr., born on June 8, 1954. Their second child, Jim joined his older sister, Marilyn and later welcomed his younger brothers, Doug, Jeff, and Ron. His father worked at Teledyne Continental Motors, and his mother remained at home as a homemaker. The Hamill family made their home on Ransom Street across the street from McLaughlin School where Jim spent numerous hours playing and exploring with neighborhood friends. As a kid he enjoyed Matchbox cars, riding his bicycle, and reading. His adventures included blowing up his toy cars and toys with homemade concoctions, but fortunately never did too much damage! Numerous memories were made and great times shared as a family over the years. They often took trips to the Upper Peninsula, staying in roadside cabins along the way. As long as the weather cooperated, most Sundays were spent hiking as a family. When it came to Christmas, everyone always looked forward to fun-filled times at his Grandma Bedgood's home where all his cousins and family joined together for the festivities. Jim's Grandpa Hamill owned a cherry farm in New Era, Michigan and his family spent much time there during the summers working and helping out. During his youth, Jim was involved with Cub and Boy Scouts. In elementary school he took trombone and accordion lessons, but it was photography he came to love and have great interest in. While attending Muskegon High School, he served as a school photographer before transferring to Mona Shores High School his junior year. It was around that same time in 1970 when his mother became an elementary school teacher. Jim often palled around with good friends Steve Curtis and Dan Boucher before graduating from Mona Shores in 1972. Jim went on to study at the Skilled Training Center in Muskegon to become a machinist. He began working at Johnson Technology Products, and was also married for a brief time. When he wasn't working, Jim was an avid reader, and regularly scoured the internet for unusual or controversial sites to share with friends and family. If the sites were about anything conspiratorial, supernatural, extraterrestrial, or archaeological, all the better! It was in the mid-1990's that Jim discovered computers and wanting more power and memory, built one of his own, featuring plexiglass and LED lights. When Jim bought his house in 1995, he truly made it his home. Having spent his entire life in the Muskegon area, his tiny little house with the big yard became his pride and joy. He loved growing tomatoes and hot peppers, and making short videos of his cats. Jim enjoyed working on home improvements, tumbling and polishing rocks, and riding his bicycle. Jim was quite independent throughout much of his life. He was very close to his father, and when he passed away in August of 2006 it was understandably a difficult time for Jim. It was then when he felt compelled to care for and watch over his mother. Always caring and loving, he dedicated himself to her with great devotion. After working at Johnson for over 15 years, Jim most recently had been working at TGW Ermanco. He was a hard worker, and when he set his mind on something, he gave it his all, and more. Sadly, at the age of 58, Robert James "Jim" Hamill Jr. passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan surrounded by his family. He will be sorely missed and always remembered by those who knew and loved him.. SURVIVORS: Jim is survived by his mother, Margaret; sister, Marilyn of Grand Rapids; brothers, Doug and Jeff of Muskegon, and Ron (Holly) of Shelby; and nieces and nephews. SERVICE: Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 11:00 AM at Westwood Reformed Church with Rev. Scott VanArendonk officiating. Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shelby, Michigan. MEMORIAL: The Noah Project http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI181.html. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Jim and to sign his online guest book. His family is being served by Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon.