Cover photo for James Edward Hamilton, Sr.'s Obituary
James Edward Hamilton, Sr. Profile Photo
1937 James 2025

James Edward Hamilton, Sr.

November 26, 1937 — October 15, 2025

Paris, TN

James Edward Hamilton, Sr., age 87 of Paris, TN, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at his residence.

He was born in Memphis, TN, on November 26, 1937, to the late Francis Dwight Hamilton, Sr., and the late Annie Lou Keenan Hamilton.

James, the youngest of seven children, grew up outside of Humbolt, TN in a red brick house with a large wrap around porch next to a dairy farm that belonged to his uncle. His mother and father lovingly raised their large family with grace, faith and a strong backbone, making sure their children were well cared for and in church every Sunday. As a life-long fifth generation Cumberland Presbyterian, Jim grew up knowing the value of honest hard work and the importance of faith and family, all the while allowing his wonderful sense of humor, which he inherited from his mother, to grow along with the important things in life.

As a young man, Jim attended Memphis State University where he followed in his father's footsteps majoring in finance. On May 31, 1959, James married Glynda McCord Hamilton, who survives. They resided in Memphis where he began work with Swift Ice Cream. He served his country for 2 years as a part of the US Army in Korea from 1961 to 1963. After returning home he began his banking career with Memphis Bank and Trust as a loan officer. Together they raised their own large family in a red brick house with grace, faith and a strong backbone, making sure their children were well cared for and in church every Sunday. Jim served faithfully as an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

In 1983 he was transferred to Paris, TN where he managed First American Bank and subsequently moved over to Commercial Bank and Trust as a loan officer and branch manager, where he remained until his retirement in 1998. During his time in Paris, he served faithfully in the Paris Kiwanis Club and became a member of McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Jim loved his wife and children, his extended family, Jesus and God, his church, his friends; he loved fishing, hunting, gardening and dabbling with wood projects; he loved the Memphis State Tigers, and he took pride in keeping his yard neat! Among some of the best memories of his life were his times spent with the "Happy Hookers" as the men in the family gathered year after year for a week-long camping and fishing trip on the Kentucky Lake, which began when he was a little boy and continues to this day. His life was well lived. His faith remained strong and his humor never faded. He is now in his heavenly home in the presence of his Savior.

Along with his wife, he is survived by four children, Kelly (Douglas K.) Shepherd of Germantown, TN, Diann Olson of Paris, TN, James Edward (Jennifer Trotter) Hamilton Jr. of Paris, TN, and Mark Jeffrey (Kathy) Hamilton of Henry, TN; one brother, Jere Wayne Hamilton of Livingston, TX; six grandchildren, Anna (Brandon) Leek, Allison (Skylar) Trompower, Sarah (Kyle Breece) Shepherd, Olivia (Collin McLeod) Olson, Lauren (Lucas Rastall) Olson, and Levi Hamilton; and three great-grandchildren, Brody Leek, Amelia Mae Trompower, Lottie Rastall.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by four brothers, Francis Dwight Hamilton, Jr., Joe Glenn Hamilton, Jack Hamilton, and Guy Keenan Hamilton; and one sister, Mary Bryant.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. Visitation will be Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church- McKenzie, TN. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church-McKenzie, TN, with Garrett Burns officiating.

Burial will follow service at Palestine Cemetery, Paris, TN, with Jimmy Hamilton, Mark Hamilton, Douglas K. Shepherd, David Bryant, Nick Bryant, and Charlie Clark serving as pallbearers.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Steve Hamilton and the rest of the Happy Hookers.

Memorials may be made to McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 16835 Highland Dr., McKenzie, TN, 38201.




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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Saturday, October 18, 2025

9:30 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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First Cumberland Presbyterian Church - McKenzie, TN

16835 Highland Dr, McKenzie, TN 38201

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Funeral Service

Saturday, October 18, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

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First Cumberland Presbyterian Church - McKenzie, TN

16835 Highland Dr, McKenzie, TN 38201

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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