James "Jim" W. Hamilton

James W. "Jim" Hamilton passed away on March 4, 2025, in Newport Beach, California, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. He was born on September 6, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska to James W. Hamilton and Mary Morgans Hamilton, joining his twin sisters, Bonnie and Adnee. The family settled in San Bernardino, California, where Jim met Carol Kircher in middle school. Their friendship blossomed into a beautiful 70-year marriage.

Jim pursued academics at Stanford University, graduating and marrying Carol in 1954. After serving two years in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to Stanford Law School, earning his degree in 1959. His legal career spanned four decades at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the firm's presence, co-founding its Orange County, CA office and serving for 12 consecutive years as Managing Partner of both the Orange County and Washington, D.C., offices. Jim truly enjoyed the practice of law. He respected his partners, and enjoyed mentoring his associates and building relationships with long-term clients who often became friends.

A man of deep faith, Jim and Carol have been members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, CA for over 50 years, where Jim was actively involved in church leadership, mission work, and small group ministry. For decades - even up to the time of his passing - his men's Covenant Group met weekly. These men played a pivotal role in his life, offering encouragement through prayer, Bible study, and support for each other through life's highs and lows.

To know Jim best was to know his love for those in need. From his Boy Scout years sitting bedside with injured warriors at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital, to volunteering in his 80's at Hoag Hospital, Jim saw - and met - the practical needs of others. Following Christ's call to love and serve the poor and unseen, Jim and Carol sponsored dozens of children through World Vision, collaborated with their neighborhood Bible Study group to embrace a refugee family from Vietnam, and privately supported many whose stories of Jim's generosity are just now being told.

Jim's second career revolved around alleviating poverty and serving the poorest of the poor. Jim and Carol worked on the ground in Africa, South America, India, and Central America through the Christian-based microfinancing ventures of Opportunity International, and also with Ministry of Hope. Moved by the impact of service in their lives, Jim and Carol introduced and escorted their children and grandchildren to mission service in Africa, Costa Rica and Honduras.

Jim enjoyed traveling for fun, as well. He and his college roommates biked through Europe and slung hammers in Alaska. Over the years, he enjoyed countless trips with Carol and close friends, Al and Marilyn Koeller. One of the highlights of their adventures was an unforgettable journey aboard the Trans-Siberian Express, which Jim often described as the trip of a lifetime. He and Carol were also part of a beloved cohort of skiers who met annually everywhere from Mammoth, California to Val-d'Isere, France.

Jim was an athlete and lifelong fan of all things sports. Despite having broken both legs in high school playing football, he was recruited by Pappy Waldorf to play at Cal Berkeley, later walking on at Stanford. Football evolved into running, skiing, tennis and eventually golf. At 80, Jim broke his collarbone bodysurfing in his backyard at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach. Though a lifetime of athletics took a toll on his body, not much could keep him down.

Finally, Jim was known for his integrity and high standards for himself and others. "Character counts," he'd say. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence earned him the nickname "Nails" among the younger associates in his law firm (!), but those closest to him also cherished his playful side. Jim's children and grandchildren remember fondly the way he whistled a jaunty tune to announce his arrival home, his mischievous ape impersonations that struck fear in the heart of every child in the house, and countless hours spent together on the beach, crossword puzzle always in hand, punctuated by the ever-familiar, "I think I'll take a dip!" His blend of seriousness and fun left an indelible mark on all those who loved him. An avid reader and writer, Jim penned three books during Covid detailing his family history and personal reflections, many of which we've relied upon here to help describe our indescribable dad.

By faith, we take comfort in knowing where Dad is today, confident that he was welcomed with open arms and greeted with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Carol, of Laguna Beach, CA; children Ted Hamilton (Linda) of Escondido, CA; Evelyn Hamilton Knight (Roger) of Rowayton, CT; Bonnie Hamilton Rose (Michael) of Tiburon, CA; grandchildren Sarah Hamilton Dudley (Clint), James "Jimmie" Hamilton (Perri), Jessica Knight Abell (Bryan), Madeleine Knight Stone (Charles), Stephen Knight (fiancee Alex Popelsky), Chelsea Rose Watson (Taber), Kayla Rose Allen (Christian), Kaitlyn "Katie" Nicole Rose; nine great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

We will celebrate Jim's life on May 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California, with a reception to follow. Should you wish to make a donation in Jim's memory, please consider two organizations that were close to his heart. Each is successfully fulfilling its mission: Opportunity International; and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, whose efforts are benefitting his youngest granddaughter, Katie. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).org/chapters/northern-california-chapter" rel="sponsored">https://www.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).org/chapters/northern-california-chapter, https://opportunity.org/get-involved/give