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James Hamad Obituary
James "Jimmy" F. Hamad, 52, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 14, 2008.
He was a life long resident of Akron. Jim graduated from Hoban High School in 1973, attended Akron University, and with his two brothers managed E.J. Hamad's Restaurant for over 20 years.
Jim was a loving father, sibling, companion, and friend. He was an avid sports fan who liked golfing and enjoyed watching his Browns, Indians, and Cavs. However, Jim's great passion was supporting his children in all aspects of their lives.
Jim was preceded in death by father, Emil J. and mother, Lorice. He will be deeply missed by his loving companion of 14 years, Bea LeBarre; children, Michael (Jennifer) Rohm, Benjiman, Travis, Julie "Lou", Jennifer (Mike) Montisano, Jimmy Jr., Jacklyn (Mike) Waterman; step-children, Michael Doane, Michelle Doane, and Gary LeBarre; nine grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Michael (Marcie), Dale, Sue (Greg) Brenn; and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and a host of friends too numerous to mention.
Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, Sept. 19, at 10 A.M., at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church, 507 Cleve-Mass. Rd. Family and friends may call on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 4 to 7 P.M., at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. Procession will begin at the church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jim's children, c/o Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St, Akron, 44304.
"Hey, Bro", "Hey, Sis", "Hey, Cuz", "How Cool is That!"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hamad
September 14, 2009
Still missing you, brother Jim...Love you...
August 18, 2009
I love you!
and although you don't have to, I know you'll always be watching over me.
kathy
December 26, 2008
merry christmas jim love and miss you
December 25, 2008
Missing you on Christmas!
December 15, 2008
Dad! I hope you had fun on your birthday and Thanksgiving :) :) :)
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.
kathy yauger
November 26, 2008
happy birthday jim,
we love and miss you very much.
love,kathy
October 2, 2008
it's been 19 days since you left us,and it still feels like it just happened.you left a big hole that no one can ever fill.so were going to fill tha hole with all the love ,memories ,and smiles that you have always given us.and cherish everyone of them
September 30, 2008
I miss you Daddy, but I know you're looking over all of us. Keep it up, because we sure do need some help down here!
The Lauer Family
September 23, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Hayley Johnson
September 22, 2008
Dear Julie and the Hamad family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I want you to know that I am here for you through these difficult times. Just remember all the memories you and Jim shared together. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ken Zehenni
September 22, 2008
Mike, Dale, and Family
In memory of Jimmy's smile and spirit!
God Bless.
Stephen & Sharon Stallard
September 22, 2008
All those years at St Peter's, you were one of the fastest kids in our class. I never was able to outrun you. I last saw you years ago when I stopped in for a drink and there you were, behind the bar. You recognized me before I recognized you. These years have gone by much too quickly my freind. Good Luck in your next adventure.
Our condolances to the Hamad family at this most difficult time.
The Lute Family
September 20, 2008
The Hamad Family, We are so very sorry for your loss! May all the prayers and thoughts of everyone lift your spirits! Our hearts go out to all of you in this trying time!!
Love Always,
Russ, Debbie & Kaleigh
RON ORNDORF
September 19, 2008
To the Hamad Family
I have over the years never forgot
the experience of coaching Jim and
his teammates at St Peters. I have had two groups of athletes in particular that exemplifies the intelligence, class and work ethic I believe it takes to be a winner.
Jim was one of our captains and
I have held him as an example
of what a class athlete and person we expected from all those who came after him. My deepest sympathy to his whole
family.
nicholas helfrick
September 19, 2008
hey bro,
my deapest prayers are with you and your family, i have alot of good memories growing up with jim and his kids that will be continued throughout my fathers life and mine!!!!
Pronio Family
September 19, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Julie and Travis....your dad was a great guy. We will always remeber his smile and humor!
Liz Hembree
September 19, 2008
To Julie and the Entire Hamad Family,
Your dad was a phenomenal man, and obviously had a huge heart for anybody he came in contact with. I know I'd always receive a warm smile whenever I'd see him cheering on his kids during their many games. My continual prayers are with you all throughout this time.
Al
September 19, 2008
It's too hard to say goodbye.
So many people knew and loved you, Uncle Jim. The sheer volume of people at the funeral home proves how many lives that you touched. Seeing all those friends and family, reading all of the journal entries from so many that loved and will miss you,... I can hear you now - "Wow, Al. Wow. How cool!"
And you'd be right. How cool are you, Uncle Jim! I will always remember how animated, how fun, how supportive you were. I will always remember how you were protective of me, of all your family, and how interested you were in hearing about my kids. I will always remember how you beamed when you talked about your kids. You were a friend to everyone, you cared about so many, and the world is a better place for having had you in it.
Uncle Jim, it's too hard to say goodbye. So, I won't. I love you. I'll miss you. I'll see you when I see you. Later, Uncle Jim.
bubs aka gary Le Barre
September 18, 2008
jimmy was like a father figure and taught me great things and always loved me like a son but always smiled but he will b missed like no one knows but r heads r up n heart r open to all sorry ben trav lou dale geoff uncle mike the whole family ps keep ur head up
Robin Kemper
September 18, 2008
I met Jimmy many years ago at Dialamerica. He was such a joy to be around. He always had a smile on his face & always had something funny to say. To The Hamads, my thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Amanda Coyle
September 18, 2008
Dale,
I just wanted to let you and your family know that I am thinking about you and praying that through this very hard time that you will find the strength in each other that you need to get through this. Your brother was a great guy and had an awesome spirit! I hope that you can find peace in all of this knowing that he will be watching over you and your family for all of eternity!
Love and prayers,
Amanda Coyle
mary baxter and family
September 18, 2008
So sorry for your loss and the rough road ahead. But remember the good times and all of the memories and he will always be with you in that way. If there is anything at all that we can do for you during this hard time please let us know. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of the family.
Patrick Adamson
September 18, 2008
To the Hamad Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Jimmy at Hoban. My first encounter with Jimmy was a little rough as he found out I had a crush on his cousin Bev. Jimmy let me know under no uncertain terms how he felt about his cousin and how things ought to be! It has been 33 years since I lived in Akron. Over the years I have come into Akron and many times I ran into Jimmy. Jimmy acted as though I had never left and always made me feel welcome and glad to see him again. Reading the guest book one has to realize Jimmy was a great man. My prayers are with you.
Jay Schneir
September 18, 2008
Dear Hamads,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Jimmy was a great guy and always could put a smile on my face. The six or so years that I worked at Hamad's in the valley were filled with fond memories....Cleveland Browns Games, Holloween parties, and many great people that I was fortunate to work with and for. Jimmy was a huge part of those memories.
My sincere condolences to Dale, Michael, and the rest of the Hamad family.
Bob Oplinger
September 18, 2008
To the Hamad Family:
Sorry to hear about Jimmy, I worked 3 years wth him at Rockne's Pub in Akron...Every Friday nite started off with " HEY BRO " Jimmy was a very kind man...He'll be missed
Matt Ereth
September 18, 2008
Travis & Julie and the Hamad Family
Even though I did not know your dad I knew Julie and Travis when I heard about your dad sudden death at school i was shocked my prayers are with you and your family as you mourn your dad's sudden death.
Virgil George
September 18, 2008
I cannot believe this has happened. I want offer my deepest sympathy to all his family especially to Mike and Dale.
All my prayers.
Virgil
Samantha Harvey
September 18, 2008
To the Hamad family:
I met Jimmy at DialAmerica many years ago and will never meet a nicer gentleman. I would like to express my deepest sympathy and will always remember "Jimmy". My prayers and thoughts are with the Hamad family.
Darlene Attalla
September 18, 2008
My deepest condolences are extended to the "Hamad" family. May God be with all
of you during this difficult time and the
days ahead. All of you are in my thoughts
and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Darlene Attalla
Camille Barbuto
September 18, 2008
Hey Jimmy
As all of my Hamad Cousins are the best, I have nothing but great memories, even as far back as Dorchester I remember hanging out with everybody taking walks over the neighbors and Jimmy would always look out for me. Also I remember going to my first Blossom concert with Sue, Jim(Steve Miller Band) and I thought it was so cool hanging out with Jim and other older cousins. Then of course, my funnest job ever was working at Hamad's in the Valley. I remember I had an apartment and was menitioning to Jim we wanted to have a party and I would like to get a stereo and he let me borrow some money as long as he was invited(yes, I paid him back). So much kindness and love from Jimmy. I hope to see him in Heaven one day. I love you guys.
Cousin, Camille Jo
Diane Graves
September 18, 2008
To all of the family we wish our deepest sympathy and love. He was a great guy and I know he will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Love Deedee & Rick Graves
Cathi Dalton
September 18, 2008
To the Hamad Family,
How sad we were to hear about Jimmy. My sister and I were fortunate enough to work with him and his family years ago when his father had his restaurant on Canton Road. Always had a smile on his face. May you have peace and comfort during this difficult time and remember all the great memories!
Cathi and Cassi (The Twins)
greg AKERS
September 18, 2008
hey jimmy, see ya down the road. Some of my best times was working at hamads in the valley. great family, good times, what more is there? All my love. AKES
Becky Pate
September 18, 2008
To Jimmy's Family,
I met Jimmy at Dialamerica and he was truly one of my favorite people to be around. Kind, Funny, Caring, the list goes on and on. Everytime I hear "How cool is that!" I will forever think of Jimmy. I am glad I met him, and knew him and I will miss him.
My thoughts are with his family. Take Care,
Marcie Hamad
September 18, 2008
I have enjoyed calling Jim my brother for 38 years. HE JUST MADE ME SMILE. He brought joy into the lives of my children, not only as an uncle, but as a true friend. He shared stories with them, consoled them during tough times and celebrated their victories with them. He shared a special, close bond with Mike, Dale and Sue and was so proud of the Hamad family and just being a part of it. His enthusiasm for life reflected that pride. But, his proudest moments were shared with his children. He absolutely beamed at the thought of them. Nothing was more important to him than his children.
When he was younger, Jim would be the guy who would be laughing (or making you laugh) during the most solemn part of the mass or at a funeral. So as we go through these next few days, I could picture him making funny remarks about his own funeral just to bring a smile to our faces..I'll try.
Jim, you will sorely be missed. Love, Marcie
Mark Boukissen
September 18, 2008
Cuz Your going to be deeply missed, your a one of a kind person. We shared many great an very sad times together. May you RIP an enjoy your new life. I love you CUZ
Jackie Workman
September 18, 2008
Coach Mike,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jackie, Tim, Drew and Scott
Lou Hamad
September 17, 2008
"Hey, Lou. It's quarter tell seven, Monday morning. Just callin to say hey. call me back. Love ya, kid."
at the VERY least, four days a week i heard this on my answering machine. even though i knew exactly what he was going to say, i still listened to all of it. I cherished his voicemails, and saved every single one.
Jim Hamad wasn't only my father, he was my daddy. He was my buddy. When we talked, he always asked how i was. how school was going. how softball was coming along. He was the first person i went to while discussing homework assignments, or even just to talk about anything. He asked me for advice and I did the same to him. Honestly, I can say he was and will always be one of my very best friends.
I'm going to miss him tremendously, just like everyone else will. I'll miss the daily talks, the weekly "Lou, I'm SO proud of you!" and of course seeing him at majority of my softball games.. with his chair, sitting out in left field rooting me on. And you know what? He was never an annoyance. I never thought, "boy I wish my dad would just zip it." Why? because he helped. He was just that kinda guy. He touched everyone, he helped everyone, and never met a stranger...
I am so proud and honored to be the daughter of Jimmy Hamad. Not a day will go by that I won't miss my Daddy. Still, he'll always be there helping ALL of us. How Cool Is That?
Matthew Usner
September 17, 2008
E.J. Hamad's in the valley was a little world unto itself, with its own unique personality. Working there as a 17-year-old was a novel experience, to say the least, and the many memories still bring a smile to my face. Jimmy was the guy who could put a smile on anyone's face. If I was having a rough shift at the dishwasher, Jimmy would always cheer me up. I always liked barbacking when he tended bar, because the crowd was always fun - he was an awesome bartender. My sympathies to the Hamad family.
David Rouse
September 17, 2008
So sorry to read about Jimmy.I went to Hamads everyday since I was a kid and everyone in the Hamad family was the best people.I miss the smiles, friendly people and it broke my heart when it was no more.I wil miss Jimmy.Kathy, you are the best. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hamad family.
Bill Roach
September 17, 2008
Many a good time was had back in the day when Jimmy was tending bar down in the valley. I have many fond memories of Jimmy and his brothers. My condolences to the entire family, and thanks for the memories.
Eddie Halamay
September 17, 2008
I met Jimmy after highschool. From the very first moment you knew what kind of guy he was. Jimmy, you were easy to be around. You always put everyones feelings first. Man, we'll miss you and that smile.
Jim Murphy
September 17, 2008
Jimmy was always the greatest. I knew him through my brothers and all the times I spent at Hamads in the valley. We had a lot of great times there and Jimmy was the best bartender around! I am sure I speak for my brothers Dan and Mike that we will miss him dearly.
Steve Kazar
September 17, 2008
sorry for the your loss. Steve, Andi, Lauren, Logan and Luke Kazar
September 17, 2008
well jim,what can i say.
thank you for making our 4 kids the person they are today.
and what we talked about 2 months ago i want you to know you can rest in peace my friend they are here for you.
i found myself starting to call you today,then it hit me all i had to do was look up you were hearing me.
you were an amazing 'DAD' and friend
and thank you for that.
you touched more lives then anyone i have ever known,especially
our kids,and mine.
thank you jim ,i will miss you everyday for the rest of my life.
'by the way as you already know your bro michael is telling those ever so funny stories, and we can't get enough of them.you knew he would, we used to laugh about that.
rest in peace my friend
love,kathy
RANDY KROCKER
September 17, 2008
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,JIMMY WAS A GREAT GUY AND WILL BE MISSED DEARLY!!!
Stephanie Hamad
September 17, 2008
Ben, Trav and Julie, your dad loved you so so much. Your activities were always the topic of conversation with him and he was extremely proud of all of you. I'll miss him asking me about my adventures at Ohio State whenever I would see him and talking about buckeye sports. I would frequently call my dad in the mornings and hear Uncle Jim in the backround in that raspy voice of his, "Bro, tell her I said Hey, tell Steph I said Hey" and then my dad gets back on the phone, "yeah your Uncle Jim says hello" as if I hadnt already heard him. We will all miss him tremendously. I just want you guys to know that all of your "cuz's" are here for you, always!
John McAleese
September 17, 2008
Dear Mike & Family,
So sorry to the news. You and yours are in my prayers.
September 17, 2008
Kathy, Ben, Travis,and Julie
you all are in our thoughts at this most heart breaking time
we love you
Tim, Debbie,Nicole and Ryan
Lisa D Sewell & family
September 17, 2008
Hamad Family;
I met Jimmy in my training class at DialAmerica many years ago and he was a friend from "Hello". He was always talking about his kids and their activities. Over the years we have run into each other at different events that our kids had in common. Please know that he was a genuine person and we will keep your family in our prayers. God Bless.
Tyler and AJ
September 17, 2008
Trav, Julie, Ben, and Mike
Our prayers are with you and we will be here to help you through everything.Keep your heads up..
We love you and miss you Jim
Vickie George
September 17, 2008
Sue, Dale, and Mike:
I am sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mary
September 17, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
September 17, 2008
Jules, Travis and Ben are hearts are with you.
There is another shining star in the heavens tonight and the brilliance from that star will forever reflect through you.
With our deepest sympathy,
Beverly, Libby and Sarah Sturm
Tim Miller
September 17, 2008
Mike & Dale,
So sorry for your loss. I was shocked to hear this news. I still have great memories working for you guys at EJ's when I was in High School. I'm glad I bumped into Jimmy this year. I didn't recognize him at first without the beard, but then he opened his mouth - "Hey Cuz - Mils, it's Jimmy!"
Peggy Lancaster
September 17, 2008
My heart is heavy with saddness this morning as I write in this guest book. I have so many fond memories of good times that my family had with Jim, Kathy and family. I will always reflect back at those times and smile. That is what Jim did to everyone he met. He made them smile. Love and miss you Bro!!!
Dreama Greth
September 16, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Geoff Hamad
September 16, 2008
Heyyyyyy Bro,
Uncle Jim, I loved you with all my heart, you were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to, and you were always there to make me smile when things were rough. We had plenty of laughes over the years, from the famous "Meatball Incident" or the "Dropping Bubs off along the side of the highway cause of the concert traffic on the way to SYB Incident", or maybe just us talking for hours at a time @ work about the spreads and lines in the upcoming NFL games or the Cavs games, and how somehow, someway, Cleveland sports were always getting screwed. Ben, Trav, Julie, I love you guys, and please know that your pops loved you guys so much, I will always be there for you if you ever need me...
Lindsey (Williams)Byard
September 16, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Julie, Travis, & Ben- We are so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how difficult this time can be, may your memories of him bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Lindsey,Andrew, & Kaydence Byard
The Skinner Family
September 16, 2008
Kathy, Ben, Travis, Julieanna. and the Hamad family.....our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time.
Andrew Ditto
September 16, 2008
"Uncle" Jim was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He was always a constant source of praise and encouragement at the CYO basketball games, despite the dismal scores. I will miss his cheerings of "You're one of my horses!" and his consolations of "It is what it is." Also, I will miss working along side of Jim at the SYB party center where he always kept the mood fun and lighthearted. My prayers go out to Jim's family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Toni Kelly
September 16, 2008
Deepest sympathies from all of our family. We absolutely loved Jimmy. He had a way with people and customers service that I have yet to see in the restaurant industry. He was definitely one of a kind. As a coworker of his for roughly 6 years, I will always have a fond rememberance of Jimmy Hamad, my friend and many peoples favorite Bartender!!!! May Jimmy Rest in peace and watch over us all.
Nicole Kelly
September 16, 2008
Jimmy was such a great guy with such a big heart. I had many good times with him and have so many great memories of him. He always made you laugh and smile. He will be missed by so many. May Jimmy rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
Gary Iuliano
September 16, 2008
Bro,
I'll miss you. And will always carry the memories of the good times we shared in my heart.
Tony Paonessa
September 16, 2008
My sincere sympathy to the family, especially Travis, Ben, and Julie.
I look back upon my interactions with Jimmy and smile. Over the years of coaching, parents can often times be the biggest challenge, not so with Jimmy. He always had the right focus, good input, and supported my efforts in every way. The team (and Travis) were the better for it!
I will miss talking baseball, coaching, etc. with Jimmy.
I also smile knowing that the last time I spoke with Jimmy was at church.
I will miss Jimmy, but I will also smile every time I look back and remember him.
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