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Dr. James Hammock Obituary
July 14, 1951 – November 14, 2008
Funeral services for Dr. James William Hammock will be Wednesday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. The celebration of his life will be held at College Park Baptist Church on Edgewater Drive, with visitation beginning at 10:00. Rev. Ken Smith, Rev. Steve Stewart and Rev. Jeff Dixon will officiate. A committal service will be at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Deri Oakley Hammock, and his four devoted children: Kimberly Beal (Rob), Kelli Mitchell (Brian), J. Matthew (Brittany), and Joshua O. (Jessica). He was the proud grandfather to Noah, Jonah and Ben Mitchell and Ethan and Ella Beal. He eagerly awaited a new grandchild this spring. He is also survived by his brother Joel (Tina), nephew Joel Jr. (Heather) nieces Jennifer and Jacquie, great-nephew Aiden and great-niece Addison. He is predeceased by his loving parents, W.C. (Dub) and Evelyn Hammock.
Jim served as a pastor, businessman and community leader in the Seminole County area for over 30 years. He graduated from Boone High School, and received a B.A. degree from Stetson University. He completed Masters and Doctor of Ministries degrees from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Longwood and served as interim pastor for College Park, Killarney, Downtown Baptist, First Baptist Apopka, Lockhart Baptist, and several others.
Brother Jim, as he referred to himself, was a man of God, and through his ministries he shared the Good News of Christ throughout the world. Bro. Jim is the current and founding pastor of Compass Community Church in Apopka, which began in 2001. His leadership has led the church to grow and to establish itself as a church with a world vision. He led teams to Nicaragua to build a mission school and to Ethiopia to drill a well for water. Bro. Jim and Compass strongly supported Eric and Marilyn Loftsgard, missionaries in Nicaragua, who were an inspiration to him. He liked to refer to his ministry at Compass as "planting a tree under whose shade you will never sit." His hope was to leave behind a meaningful place to worship for his children, grandchildren and others. Relationships were very important to him and he had many close friends who went to him for guidance. His family and friends were blessed by his wise counsel and he was careful to give God the glory. He was a blessing to all who knew him and will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made to the Compass Legacy Fund at Compass Community Church, P.O. Box 162504, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32716-2504.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dr. James Hammock
Judy Rish
November 25, 2008
Our lives were certainly made richer by Jim Hannock and his family. Jim had many gifts and among one of the best was his gift of preaching God's Word-he always said this is not "my" word but God's Word. Thank you Jim for sharing your gifts with so many thousands of people - we will see you again. We all miss you and our thoughts and prayers go to Deri at this difficult time in her life. Thank you for being Jim Hammock. Jim and Judy Rish/11-25-08
Betty Dudley
November 22, 2008
Dear Grieving Ones,
As a child I lived in Boggy Creek and went to elementary school with James at Cypress Park Elementary in Taft. We were good friends and James was my dance partner in the square dance group. My family moved to St. Cloud in 1964 and I never saw James again, but I never forgot him. I heard years later he had become a Baptist minister. This week I heard from another old friend that James had passed away. How swiftly life flies by and when we lose our dearest ones it makes us cherish the times we had even more. Our hope is in the Lord, and because of our faith in Him, we know we WILL see James again. My prayer for you is that God comfort you as only He can, and help you deal with your earthly loss, as you look forward to your Heavenly gain.
In HIs Love,
Betty Miller Dudley
BONNIE JENKINS
November 21, 2008
Dear Deri & Family,
So very sorry to hear about James,He was a good man, consoled our family with the loss of our mother, We could not have beared that alone.He's home now,with all our loved ones,watching over us.
Bonnie (Taylor) Jenkins
Greta Youngman
November 20, 2008
Dear Kim, Rob, and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Greta (Weigley) and Bill Youngman
Purvis Family
November 20, 2008
Dear Deri and Hammock Family,
Our hearts are broken and words cannot express the sadness we feel. Our memories of James are most precious to us. He sang at our wedding 32 yrs ago. Growing up with you, James and Brenda is one of those special memories. What an inspiration it was to the youth group at DSBC when God called James to the ministry.
He was truly a giver with a very tender heart.
What a beautiful difference one single life made.
Love & Prayers,
Denny & Sharon
November 20, 2008
Dear Sweet Family, God has blessed me in many ways but sending me to Compass and Jim is certainly one of His richest blessings for me. I loved our time together & claim the right to always feel a part of you & a part of Compass. Josh, you not only did you Dad proud at his service, you did your Heavenly Father proud as well.
Love & prayers, Dottie Smith
Jack VandeStreek
November 19, 2008
I don't always read the paper, but then there are times God leads us to what he wants us to see.
I remember Jim and your family while you ministered among us at First Baptist Sweetwater.
I am very sorry for your loss. In His Grip,
Georgette Booth
November 19, 2008
Dear Hammock Family,
Words cannot adequately convey how sorry I am for your loss. I and members of my family had only known Jim a short time while he was the interium pastor for our church, College Park Baptist Church, but we were richer for even a small experience. Rachel and Chris were in the Easter program with him and thought he was terrific! You will all be in our prayers.
Lisa&David Washburn
November 19, 2008
Hammock Family,
God Bless. We will all miss Brother Jim. Our prayers are with you today.
sharen Hooks
November 19, 2008
Dearest Deri and all the Hammock Family,
may you always remember those special times
you have shared for many years, and know that you have so many who love your family. we will miss James (as i know him) but treasure the wonderful years of friendship.
i am sorry i wasnt able to be there to see you and the family, i hope you understand my situation
with taking care of my mother.
i am praying for you and your family.
Sharen and Steve Hooks
Ed Harris
November 19, 2008
Deri and family - Many wonderful and kind words have been sent your way and I would like to add mine as well. Even though it has been almost 40 years since we were all the crazy young people at Delaney Street BC, I have always held such fond memories of James, you and your families. And after reconnecting after so many years, it makes this even more difficult for us all. While our hearts are broken, we hold on to the understanding of the eternal life that awaits us through Christ. In His Name we lean on and lift your families up.
Susan Shannon
November 19, 2008
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
The Shannon Families
November 19, 2008
Dear Jacquie and family,
May you be comforted by the love and support of family and friends during this time of profound loss, and may the fond memories you shared with Jim sustain each one of you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Mary Carson
Scott, Marilyn, & Kendall Caldwell
November 19, 2008
Dear Hammock Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.....
You will always have your memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
God Bless,
Jacquie Hammock
November 18, 2008
Uncle James and family,
You have and will always leave an impression on so many lives as a pastor, mentor, and a great uncle. you will be missed dearly.
Aunt Deri, Matt, Kim, Kelly, Josh, Joel Sr.... Always remember that he touched many hearts and left many footprints for all of us to keep the faith and stay strong.Love you all!
Brian Charron
November 18, 2008
Dear Deri and Family,
I send my condolences and prayers. Brother Jim had a real impact on my life. I have fond memories of childhood and my youth years at First Baptist Longwood under Bro.Jim's leadership. I was heartbroken when I heard of his death he will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Sue Stickels
November 18, 2008
I was shocked and deeply saddened with the news of Mr. Hammock's passing. I didn't know him well but I do know his daughter, Kim. I know he was an incredible person just by spending time with Kim and her family. Kim is a generous, kind, loving person and I know that we are taught this by our parents. I can tell by the way she talks about her dad that she is very proud of him and I'm sure he is very proud of her. I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thought and prayers.
John Hewett
November 18, 2008
Jim, you graced my life from the first time I met you 37 years ago. Thank you for your friendship. Save me a spot on the other side, my brother.
Michael Fronk
November 18, 2008
A friend and brother whose vision and commitment to an authentic community of faith will be missed.
He encouraged each of us to have the courage to embrace a church that was not limited by walls or organizational structures but was able to catch the liberating Spirit of God that called everyone to be a minister.
Thank you , Deri and Family for sharing Jim with us. We are better for it. Peace to You.
Julie Carter
November 18, 2008
Deri, Kim, Kelli, Matt, Josh and Joel:
I'm sorry for your pain. If I could I would carry some of it for you.
I learned most of my spiritual understanding from Jim. He saw things the way Jesus saw things. It didn't matter who you were or what your past was we are all Gods children and he loves us just as Jim did.
Jim meant a lot to Marcus too as he was probably the first man that made him feel worthy and is the reason he loves church so much. Marcus is very upset and confused and worried about Compass's future but is determined to be a part of that future.
We love each of you and we're praying for strength and comfort for your whole family.
Sherri McGaughy Smith
November 18, 2008
Deri and family,
I am at a lost for words and heart broken. James was your best friend, a great father. loving grandfather and a dear friend to so many. May God give you peace, and the love of your friends give you comfort. Our friendship of over 40 years brings so many wounderful memories. James fell in love with you the first day he saw you! Please know you are loved. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
In Gods love
Sherri McGaughy Smith
ryan schroeder
November 18, 2008
Dear Hammock Family, I send my deapest condolences. I'm truly sorry that I could not make it to the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. And to Matt again sorry I couldn't make it but I'll be flying in on Thursday. So anything you need, work or whatever I'll be there. Sincerely Ryan Schroeder.
Stephens Family
November 18, 2008
Dear Deri and Family, We are at a total loss for words but wanted to share our sympathy and sadness with you all. I know you must feel as though your world has turned upside down. A loss as precious as Jim must be almost unbearable. We have been and will continue to pray for you, Brenda and the rest of your family. I hope knowing that friends are praying for you and keeping you close to their hearts will in some small way make this most difficult burden a little easier to bear. We will continue to pray for you by name each and every day. Our prayer is that God will provide you with the strength you need to make it through the coming days.
With heartfelt love,
Robin, Randy and Brandon Stephens
TIM & RUTH BLAKE
November 18, 2008
I MEET JAMES 7 YRS AGO WHEN HE MARRIED BY BEST FRIEND. I WAS BLESSED TO GET TO KNOW HIM FOR 3 DAY. HE TOUCHED MY HEART AT THAT TIME AND WHEN HEAR HIS WORDS AGAIN WAS AT THE SERVICE OF HIS FATHER SEVERIAL MONTHS AGO. THE WORDS HE SPOKE MADE IT EASY FOR ME TO RELATE TO GOD.HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN AND SPEAKER FOR THE LORD. ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GOT TO MEET HIM WERE TOUCHED AND WISH HE COULD OF TOUCHED MORE PEOPLE LIKE HE TOUCH ME.THE HAMMOCK FAMILY IS A VERY SPECIAL AND I AM GLAD THEY APART OF MY EXTENDED FAMILY. JAMES WILL BE MISSED BUT RIUTH AND I LOVE YOU ALL.
TIM & RUTH BLAKE
Judy Dunn
November 18, 2008
Dear Deri & family,
I was filled with grief when I received the word of your loss. Jim was a kind, caring and wonderful man who made the time during which he was interim at CPBC seem like church life as usual. As a church, we were happy when Ron Crawford arrived, but at the same time, sad to see Jim go. I also continued to forward him jokes and inspirational emails into these recent days. I will miss sharing those with him. Deri, the love between you and Jim was evident, and an inspiration to all who saw you together. Thank you for sharing him with CPBC, and I pray that you will allow God and loved ones to be there for you and carry you during your time of grief. You have my deepest sympathy,
Judy Dunn
Kelli Maloney Rossi
November 18, 2008
Jim, I never got to thank you and tell you how much you ment to me in my life. I think I was only 8 or 9 when you encourage me so much to come to your church with Kelli every Sunday and Wed. too. Through the years and all the teachings I was able to know Jesus in an intimate way. You had a great impact on my life. You treated me and all the Maloney girl's has your own and we loved you like a Dad. I have so many childhood memories with you and I will always cherish them. I looked up to you with such respect and love. We all loved you and will miss you greatly!
Tom Allerton
November 18, 2008
Dear Deri,
Louise and I send our deepest condolence to you and the family. Jim was a dear man of God and super friend to so many. We shall never forget the loving ministry you both shared with us a few years ago when Jim served as interim pastor at College Park Baptist church. I know God already has Jim busy at work within the heavenly community building warm fellowship and teaching great truths in his unusually gifted way. Love,
Tom & Louise Allerton
Joel and Tina Hammock
November 18, 2008
Dearest Deri and Family,
My loving brother James was the greatest man I ever knew.
We cannot put into words the hurt and sorrow to have lost
him so suddenly. He was my hero and we were blessed
to be given the gift of his life and love for 57 precious years of our lives. Some people come into our lives and quicly go.
Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to
a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
Your loving brother,
Joel, Tina, Joel Jr, Jacquie and Jennie
Marilina Viera
November 18, 2008
Dear Hammock Family--It is our prayer that God gives you the strength and comfort to continue without your beloved Jim. Our prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
GROWS Literacy Council Staff (Apopka, FL)
Mark & Cindy Pearce
November 18, 2008
Dear Deri and family--We have missed all our Florida friends since the decade or so that we have been gone. Know that Jim indeed left a legacy with all that he came in contact with and his cheerful positive attitude will missed by all. God is certainly aware of your circumstances and He cares about you and promises to carry you through these tough times ahead and we pray that he will strengthen you beyond measure. I'm glad that we have our wonderful memories especially those crazy ski trips!
In Jesus' Love, Cindy Pearce
Richard/Frankee Hellinger
November 18, 2008
Jim: You were the answer to prayer in many ways and your love of the Lord radiated through your preachind and teaching! The Lord prepared you for our church start. We will try to carry on to the goals shared with you. Deri and the kids are strong in the Lord and we'll all look to God for guidance. Thanks for all you've meant to us! Richard and Frankee Hellinger, Orlando
Shannon Prowell
November 18, 2008
Jim, we will all miss you so much. You were such a wonderful man and showed many of us the way to Jesus. We appreciate everything you did for all of us. You were not just a pastor but our friend and mentor. You were a wonderful father to your children and treated the Maloney girls as your own. I really will miss you so much and I know John misses you too. Love always, Shannon Prowell
Susan Rawlins
November 18, 2008
Dear Deri & kids, Your family has been such an important part of my life since I was a teen at FBC of Longwood. Jim married Greg and I, he dedicated my 3 boys; we watched your children grow from tiny babies to wonderful, beautiful adults with families of their own. A huge chunk of our hearts are now missing. God must have wanted Jim in heaven for a reason now; though he will be greatly missed here. Jim was an outstanding man of God and we so love him and your family. God bless each of you over the coming days and months. Because He Lives,
Susan (Chase) Rawlins
Vicki Fey
November 18, 2008
Dearest Deri and family - I am so grateful that I was able to see the two of you this summer, even if only for lunch. James was always one of my favorite cousins and being able to play for your wedding and to have Kimberly and Joel's children participate in our wedding, and James to officiate not only at my wedding but daddy's funeral meant a lot. God will hold you in the palm of God's hand, as difficult as that may seem right now. We will get to see you tomorrow - know that you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. With much love - Vicki
Becky Tindall
November 18, 2008
Deri, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was a very special friend and I will miss him as well as many others will.
In His Love,
Becky Tindall
Denise Warren
November 18, 2008
Words cannot express the bittersweetness of learning of Jim's passing. He was a man that I respected deeply and although I have not been in touch, remember fondly. My heart is with you and your family at this time...I will always remember his smile and willingness to be real. Thanks for all great memories!. Love to all, Denise Byerts Warren
Doug Fillmon
November 18, 2008
Deri & Family- I Pray that God will comfort you, and hold you all in the Palm of His mighty hands through all this- we loved Jim and all that he did for us @ KBC while undergoing the transistion when Bro. Ron Bradley left...Jim was responsible for us calling Pastor Steve, and I'll always be grateful for his wise counsel during that time. He made the position of Pulpit Comm. Chair much easier & more tolerable !!
I know you will miss him immensley, as we all will, but we can rejoice in the fact that we know where he's at, and will be watching and waiting for us someday.
God Bless you and your Beautiful Family.
Doug & Gail Fillmon
11/18/08
Jeannie Randhan
November 18, 2008
Dear Family: Brother Jim meant so much to us at Lockhart. We have a very dear picture with my husband and Brother Jim as Brother Jim ordained Jon as a Deacon at Lockhart. You are all in our prayers for the peace which passes all understanding. Our hearts are with you dear ones.
Serving Hiim,
Jeannie & Jon Randhan
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