Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Ham Obituary
Russell
John Russell "Johnny" Ham passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2026, at the age of 69.
John was born on December 7, 1956, in Dalton, Georgia, into a loving family. He was the son of Leon Murrill Ham III and Louise Ham. John is survived by his two sons, Charlie and Luke; his brother, Skip; and Skip's wife, Leigh.
John was an amazing father, and his life was devoted to his children, whom he loved dearly. He raised them with unconditional love and taught them many life lessons that they will hold close to their hearts.
He attended the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a marketing degree from the Terry College of Business, and then began a career in the flooring industry. John was a very well-known and much-loved football and baseball coach at Northside Youth Organization and Buckhead Baseball in Atlanta. He taught kids far more than the skills of the game. He taught them to be fair, resilient, hardworking, and—most of all—to have fun.
John had more friends than can be counted. He was magnetic, and people loved being around him. Even through his battle with cancer, he remained positive and maintained an amazing outlook on life.
John was a man of faith. He trusted in the Lord and in His promises.
Besides coaching and watching sports, John was an avid golfer and spent as much time as he could on the golf course. Finally, at age 68, John got his first hole-in-one at The Farm on hole number 5. He knew how to love deeply and how to enjoy life.
A service to celebrate John's life will be held at ChristChurch Presbyterian in Dalton, Georgia, on Friday, January 16, 2026, at noon. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org) or the Northside Youth Organization (nyosports.com).
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ham
Sponsored by Love Funeral Home - Dalton.
5 Entries
Joan Sanford Noel
January 29, 2026
I am a friend of the Ham family from Boaz,Al. Skipper, you may remember me as your and Johns baby sitter,Joan Sanford.I have fond memories of you two young in lads. I am so sorry to learn of the passing of John. Joan Sanford Noel
Julius Shaw
January 15, 2026
Julius Shaw
January 15, 2026
I´ve known the Ham family my entire life. The friendship between the Shaws and he Hams goes back decades. Skipper and I have been friends since our youth. Johnny was 3 years younger so I knew him growing up but not well... up until recently. Our paths began to cross several years ago at The Farm. Also, our two sons became friends at UGA. This cemented our friendship. I was fortunate to be able to play golf with Johnny and our two boys several times over the past year. During that time Johnny and I shared many things. Many of them personal. That led to many phone calls and texts over the past several months. During that time, I really got to know Johnnny. What I found was one of the most caring and positive persons that I have ever met. Despite all that life threw at Johnny, he remained positive. I never heard him say a negative word. Always positive, always looking ahead. Johnny was a wonderful father, and a great friend to many. I will miss our conversations and the positive outlook that he always shared. He inspired me to be better. "Well done my good and faithful servant." Julius Shaw
The Snellings
January 14, 2026
You touched so many and you will always be with us.
Father, Coach and our wonderful friend.
God Bless John Ham
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in John Ham's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John Ham
Jan
16
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Ham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously