James Christy Hamilton Jr.

1931 - 2025

James Christy Hamilton, Jr.

September 27, 1931 - August 28, 2025

James Christy Hamilton, Jr., died August 28, 2025. The oldest son of James Christy Hamilton and Margaret Keith Hamilton Jadwin, he was born September 27, 1929, in Windber, PA. Growing up on Dunnottar Farm in Warrenton, VA, he rode his pony to school. After graduating from the Asheville School for Boys in 1950, he received a BA from Yale University in 1954. At Yale, he was a member of the Fence Club and drew cartoons for the school newspaper. After college, he served three years in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant in England, Saudi Arabia, and Germany before beginning his investment career in New York with Clark Dodge and Company.

He saw Mildred Hayes Cross, a co-worker from Clark Dodge, in Delray Beach, FL, and she invited him back to her family's apartment. Mildred's younger sister, Helen, was there, and Jim was smitten. He and Helen Hayes Hamilton were married in a snowstorm in Richmond on December 9, 1961. Their marriage ended after almost 53 years when Helen died in 2014.

In 1966, Helen and Jim moved to Richmond to raise their daughter, Helen Hamilton Horsley, whom they affectionately called "H". After a brief stint at Scott and Stringfellow, Jim joined Davenport & Company as a stockbroker. He rose to the level of Director and spent more than 40 years at the firm. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and expertise of his fellow investment advisors and felt extremely fortunate to count many as dear friends.

Helen and Jim enjoyed spending time in Richmond, Gulf Stream, Florida, and Fishers Island, New York, and had a host of dear friends in each locale. Jim, also known as "The Duke" among his golf group the Knockers, was a member of The Country Club of Virginia, The Fishers Island Club, The Gulf Stream Golf Club, and the Gulf Stream Bath and Tennis Club.

Jim was former President of The Maymont Foundation, served on the Vestry at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, and was a prolific painter. He had a spicy sense of humor and often recreated famous paintings by swapping out the scantily clad subject for a friend. Helen organized several art shows on his birthdays, and many friends attended with their signed JCH originals in tow.

Jim was a beloved father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Helen Hamilton Horsley (John Garrett Horsley); and his three granddaughters, Selina Horsley Stone (Ben), Margaret Hamilton Horsley, and Lilian Holladay Horsley. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Barry Hamilton (Elizabeth); and his nieces, Lucy Metcalf, Julie Feldstein, and Betsy Starr. Jim was predeceased by his brother, William Isham Keith Hamilton; and sister, Margaret Hamilton Stephens.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 19, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Goochland at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. The family suggests that donations be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or Westminster Canterbury Foundation.