James R. Hamilton Jr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

HAMILTON, James R., Jr. CAPT. JAMES R. HAMILTON, JR. DOB 06/21/1938 DOD 09/30/2011 Capt. James R. Hamilton, Jr. flew "West" today on the Wings of Angels. He is survived by his daughter Emilie Hamilton of Huntersville, NC along with his dog, Woodrow. He is also survived by his sister Dianne and brother Clifford of Fayetteville, GA along with his cousin Jim and Joan Ellen West of Jonesboro, GA, and nephew, Bobby and Andrea Hamilton. He is also survived by his extended family, his father and mother-in-law, Ralph & Jackie Kirby of El Paso, TX and brother and sister-in-law, Carl & Sandra Harper of Spring, TX, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph "Ham" and Cora Belle West Hamilton of Atlanta, GA. Jim, also known to many as "Duck" or "The Senator" lived a very colorful life. He came from a hardworking family in Lakewood Heights in Atlanta, GA where he was born and raised. He served in the United States Marine Corp in the Vietnam era. Upon returning from his obligation with the Marine Corp he finished his Law Degree at the University of Georgia and went on to serve as President and CEO of First Palmetto Bank in College Park, GA In 1969 a dream of Jim's came true he was hired as an Airline Pilot with Piedmont Airlines. During his tenure with Piedmont, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1974 and faithfully served the people of the 34th District and the State of GA until 1976. Of the many Boards he was proud to have served on was the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). He retired in 1994 from USAirways and relocated to Charlotte, NC with his family, after his retirement he substitute taught, raised our children, and served as President and held multiple positions within the Piedmont Silver Eagles. He also served on the board of the North Carolina Transportation Museum Board, Director Emeritus, helping to promote the history and preserve the Spirit of Piedmont Airlines, the only home grown airline of NC as he would say. Jim was a loyal and great friend to many and we know he's smiling down on us all. Rest quiet tonight our friends, he's in the Hands of Our Lord. The funeral will be held Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037-9395 (704) 483-5266. The family will receive friends in the Sanctuary from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Reverend Carol Clark will officiate the service at 3:00 p.m., including the Committal Service at the Unity Presbyterian cemetery. There will be a reception following service for friends and family. Pall Bearers: Matthew Lukash, Bobby Hamilton, Capt. Paul Snell, Capt. Philip Beeson, Capt. Ken Duncan, Capt. Jim Elliott In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial donation to the James and Stephanie Hamilton Memorial Fund, c/o Emilie Hamilton, 12531 Surreykirt Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078. Jim's family would be honored if you would share your stories and experiences of Jim with us online. As you know, there are many great ones out there.