James A. "Sledge" Hammer

I only now learned of Jim's passing away. We were in school together all the way 1st grade through 12th. Ran X-Country together too. A good friend in those years. This makes me profoundly sad. RIP Jim.

Dear Thrus, Mary and my Stow cousins-
I am shocked and saddened to have learned about Jimmy's passing. I will always remember him for his sense of humor and the light-hearted cynicism borne of a mile-wide independence streak, his worldly wisdom as the oldest and his take on Gram. I remember traveling over the river and through the woods on our way to my Father's favorite brother's house and the feeling of peace I felt about being there even before I was. There is a quality of serenity and calm grace that the three of you shared, Jimmy, Chrissie and Linda that's hard to define but so, so easy to feel. I hope you all can feel a measure of the peace today that each of you give, and have been giving to others over the course of your lives.
Fair winds, Jim.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Our sympathies to the Hammer family - I remember 'Jimmy' well from my childhood growing up in Stow and hanging out at their farmhouse on Red Acre Road with his sister Linda, my best friend :). Hugs to you all- Dorcas Brown Sefton

Thrus, I remember when Jimmy was in kindergarten in West Acton and my Mom, Ruth McConnell, was his teacher. A year later we moved to Stow, where Mom taught 1st grade for many years. I never knew Jim as an adult, I only remember him as a small child.

What a wonderful job done at Jim's gathering this evening! The photos,bandanas,slide show and strong loving family. As we begin to plant this month, Jim will be in the garden with us.

Though I haven't seen Jim or his family in many years, I have very fond memories of his visits to Vermont. I was just a kid, but I remember Jim as having this larger than life personality.
His daughter Sarah and I were often told to go outside and play but instead we sometimes hung back listening to her dad tell his stories, often times colorful, and always getting a roar of laughter from his audience ( Sarah and I included). I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. Sarah and Matthew, you are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Melody Ellis Stone

My sympathies to the Hammer family In the passing of Jim. Too young to be leaving this world, but now in a better place. God's blessings on you all.

I went to school with Jim up through high school. He was a good friend and fun to be with. I hope his family can find peace in knowing he was well remembered. - Carol Batsford Upton

You will be sadly missed, Jim.
From the Class of 1966 NRHS

Jim,you can't imagine the sadness I have with your passing.You will be truly missed. I have special memories and they will be in my heart forever. I especially will miss bumping into you at Shaws and having lengthy talks in the aisle and the phone calls that lasted until my ear was red and sore! I am so glad you came to family functions,we were always glad to see you. I will remember you in jeans,work boots,a polo shirt with the collar UP, and a bandanna hanging out of pocket,all with your clever SMILE!Love always, your sister Linda

Thank you for all of your kind condolences. The road went two ways. Last summer Jim spoke fondly of the garden at the apartments and how you were all working productively on it. I will always remember his sense of humor also.

It saddens me to hear of Sledges passing. He had such a great sense of humor, always ready to joke around and such a nice guy. He will be missed so much. I hope you're at peace now.

Our sincere condolences to Jim's family. His witty smile and off the charts sense of humor touched all in the community. His truck plate, "SLEDGE" was an icon to Plantation. "Here comes SLEDGE", "there goes SLEDGE", as he came and went .We will miss him in the garden,the gazebo,the sidewalks and everywhere else he was. However, he will be in our hearts and minds forever!

Oh, Sledge! I was so sorry to hear of your passing. I will miss seeing you and hearing your voice. You are one of a kind, and always made me smile. May you rest easy and peacefully, my friend.

I will miss you Jim and all of our phone chats.

We will miss you Sledge! Thank you for being a kind neighbor to all.
Residents of Plantation Apartments

Condolences to the family.