James Gibbons Hammett

James "Jimmy" Gibbons Hammett, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 20, 2026, in Hobe Sound, Florida. He was 87 years old. Born on March 27, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, to James and Margaret Blondell Hammett, Jim lived a life marked by love, service, and dedication to his family and community.

Raised in Waldorf, Maryland in the Catholic faith, Jim attended Catholic school, graduating in a class of just 12 students. His early years were shaped by his devotion to his faith as he served as an altar boy and attended church daily. After completing his education, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as an Airman Second Class in crash rescue at Ramstein Air Base in Germany from August 14, 1957, to December 1, 1960.

While stationed in Germany, Jim met and married his first wife, Geri, with whom he had three sons: James, Tim, and Rick. After returning to the United States, Jim eventually settled in Connecticut, where he built a diverse career working for the U.S. Postal Service, bartending part-time, and operating heavy equipment for the highway department. During this time, he married his second wife, Pat, and welcomed a daughter named Andrea.

In 1970, Jim met Connie in Westport, Connecticut. The two fell deeply in love and were married on August 14, 1977. They shared nearly five decades of marriage filled with love, partnership and helping raise Connie's daughter Carolyn from a pervious marriage. In 1983, Jim and Connie relocated to Hobe Sound, Florida, where Jim began a fulfilling career as a park ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Hobe Sound North Beach. For 17 years until his retirement, he dedicated himself to preserving nature's beauty and creating a welcoming environment for visitors.

Jim's life was enriched by his many hobbies and passions. He was actively involved in the Southwestern Connecticut Girl Scout counsel as a Girl Scout leader and trainer to future leaders. Here he also served as a camp property manager. Jim and Connie were avid campers in the "Crackpots" camping club. He also enjoyed softball and worked as a golf caddy during his earlier years.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Connie Hammett; sister Hilda Marie Montgomery Gardiner; sons Tim Mottl (Melissa) and James Mottl (Karen); stepdaughter Carolyn Tomasulo (Anthony); grandchildren Andrew Mottl; Alyssa Cooke (Rob); Heather; Samantha Forman; great-grandchildren Aidan; Finley; Pepper; Brandon; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret Blondell Hammett; siblings Margaret Lee Portzen (Robert), Dorothy Ann Bowling (Billy), Alma Elaine Hammett; brothers-in-law Harry Montgomery and Hugh

Gardiner; and children Rick Mottl and Andrea Hammett; ex-wives Geri Mottl and Pat Hammett; and son-in-law David Forman.

Jim passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife Connie by his side. We were blessed to have as much time as we could with Jim and got to celebrate one more Christmas than expected. Once again around the infamous "upside-down" tree with his wife Connie, step daughter Carolyn, her husband Tony and his beloved granddaughter Samantha.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Sugar Sands Community Club House, 7840 SE Sugar Sand Circle. Family will gather at the cemetery for Jim's journey to his final resting place. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.