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James Hamner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Hamner
Polly
June 20, 2025
Jim brought me to his beloved mountain to open up a B&B
Which I did he really enjoyed
The time he had with me helping me to running the B&B
He was loved all over the world from his fans.
Then his health was going down which I spent many hours with him at the hospital and home.
God took him so young and I think of him every day . The fun we had .
Polly
Kathleen Gorman
June 12, 2023
Jim Bob was a darling little boy on the Waltons and probably my favorite actor. Rest in peace, Jim Bob.
David Callihan
April 8, 2005
When I first met Jim, I had discovered that I had an immediate friend. He made me feel at ease in my conversations with him, as if I had known him for years, and his passing certainly has affected my family and myself as we all met him while visiting years ago. Jim, your memory will always live on in our lives. Thanks so much for being such a good friend. You are sadly missed.
Cynthia
April 2, 2005
It's been one year since your death. I still think of you and your family and wanted to let everyone know taht you are greatly missed each day. Thanks for being Jim Bob and yourself. Thanks for letting me in your home and the talks we had over the years. I hope you ate peace.
Michelle Morgan
March 17, 2005
As a fan of the show I am sad that "Jim-Bob" has passed away though I know that he was only a character that I watched on tv. But I am saddened by this mainly because as a fan of this show I came across a web site that had only great things to say about the real man behind the character. This man took the time and pleasure in meeting the fans of this show and indulge their fantasies by becoming a part of their Walton Experience so many years after the show has had its first run.
Thank You Mr Hamner for your time and memories.
Dave Federico
December 12, 2004
As a longtime fan of the Waltons I
was saddened to here of the passing
of James Hamner.My thoughts are with the surviving members of his
family and hope they can take comfort that he is now in a peaceful place with God.
Goodnight Jim Bob
Wayne Bryant
September 30, 2004
I shall always count JimBob among my dearest friends. Wayne
Dixie Wright
September 26, 2004
Dear Jim Ed,
How you will be missed!
Dix...
jean galvin
September 22, 2004
i am so sorry about jim bod
he was anice person and i miss
his show god bless and be with god
jean
Thom Joyce
September 21, 2004
We all "knew" and will miss Jim-Bob because his brother Earl(John-Boy) took the time to sit down and write about his family and their lives (The Walton's). If you are reading this maybe you could take one evening to sit down and write some stories for your family to read and remember "the good old days". My wife, Deb & I recently visited with Polly and got a small taste of "life with Jim-Bob". Thanks to Earl for sharing his family with the world.
TONY REEP
September 14, 2004
WE WILL MISS YOU JAMES"JIM-BOB"HAMNER
David & Annette Oldaker
September 2, 2004
We are so sad that we didn't get to meet Jim before his passing away. We just returned from our stay at Polly & Jim's B&B and just loved it. Polly is so informative and does miss Jim terribly. Rest in PEACE JIM.
Tammie & Mark Soccio
August 26, 2004
Jim was an fine example of "true mountain hospitality". I will never forget our evening on the porch sharing stories, laughs & libations. I was looking forward to coming back up to the mountain to visit with you all again, now I suppose the visit will have to wait a while. Rest In Peace.
Mark Johnson
July 31, 2004
I am second cousin, twice removed to Jim. He was so very nice to talk to. He remembered my great grandfather, Harry Baber and my great great grandmother, Melvina Hamner Baber. When I spoke with him I knew he was family because he made my feel so comfortable.
jean galvin
July 24, 2004
yes i was so sorry too hear about
james i see the waltons ever day and its a grate show god bless too all the family love jean
Steve and Carol Colby
July 23, 2004
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.It's like losing one of the family.He was such a nice man. He will be missed.
Georgette Thomas
July 14, 2004
My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Hamner Family. The grief you feel is shared by so many that loved your brother. May that bring you comfort, God Bless You All. To Jim: Thank you for all that you were and the delightful charactor with his head to the sky, you will always be remembered. Those memories of you joining us on Dot's forum will always be cherished. Good Night Jim Bob God Bless
Kermit York
July 13, 2004
God Speed "Jim Bob"
Matthew Jones
July 12, 2004
What a friend
I still smile when I think about the little yellow duck.
I'll see you again!
Matt
David, Cindy and Sarah Bond
July 3, 2004
So sorry to hear of the great loss. You will never be forgotten.
Donnie Hiland
July 1, 2004
I was very surprised, and saddened, to learn of James Hamner's death. Have been a huge fan of "The Waltons" since it's first Season. Had the wonderful experience of visiting Schulyer, Va. back in August 1993. At that time, the guide (at the Walton's Museum) told us that Jim was still living in the Hamner family home just down the road. Would have loved to meet him in person, but respected his privacy more. Did send him a Christmas card that next December. Always hoped that I might get to meet him on some future visit back there. My sincere sympathy to Earl and all the rest of Jim's family. May it be comforting to know that their family, and it's story, holds a special place in the hearts of so many people. Thank-you, Earl Hamner, for that special gift... "The Waltons".
june & bill hicks
June 12, 2004
We love you James and will see you in eternity with our Lord. June & Bill Hicks
Sharon Holmes
May 23, 2004
What a legacy he left with all of us Walton fans; being part of such a wonderful family raised by devoted, loving parents of honor and integrity and shared with the world. Thank you Jim, for your sweet and caring nature. Forever in my memory is your friendly smile and wave to me, while you sat on the front porch of your family home as my car rounded the corner playing the theme song (loud enough for you to hear!) to visit Walton's Mountain. My warmest sympathies to your family and loved ones at this time of sorrow. We'll miss you.
Goodnight Jim-James.
mike booth
May 12, 2004
Last year I took the trip up to "Walton's Mountain".Loved it very much.My wife and I knocked on the door of a house with the sign "Jim-Bob's House".A man's voice hollered out "Just A Minute".He never came to the door,I figured he must have seen us thru the storm door window and knew we were tourists.That was okay though,I'm sure he had to deal with the likes of us every day.I'm so glad I went and will go again,but I 'm saddened to know he won't be callin' "just a minute" when I go back.
Maria Shealy
May 10, 2004
I had the great pleasure of meeting Jim last July at Polly's Bed and Breakfast. Jim was an absolute joy to be around. God Bless the Hamner Family.
Matt Moore
May 8, 2004
I am sorry to hear about the passing of James Hamner. I love The Walton's I grew up with the TV show and still love watching it.
James Hamner will be missed but will remain in the memories of all that knew him for sure.
Judith Skrine
May 8, 2004
I just wanted to say good bye to one of the most precious people in the world.
Tammy Uren
May 3, 2004
Good Night Jim-Bob I'll miss you but will never forget. You will always be with me at Polly's on the porch and down at the pond fishing. Love ya dude.
karen Berryman
May 2, 2004
I was deeply moved to hear that your brother jim had passed away. I enjoyed the Walton's story that included his love for his car and his desire for flying. Even though I did not know Jim personally it seemed like I did from the stories. May God's everlasting arms give you strength for the days that lie ahead. We will be praying for you. Like my daoughter said someday I hope you will find peace within your everyday living.
Love Karen, Gordon Berryman
Anna Berryman
May 2, 2004
I want to take this time to say how sorry I am for the Hamner famillies loss in their brother Jim. I know from talking to Miss Polly he was a very special man to alot of people. When we walk through life it is a blessing to have a special freind who is honest in his love. My prayers are for those who are suffering from Jim's death. I'm sorry for your personal loss,and pray that someday you will find peace once more in your everyday living.
Love Anna, Ricky, and Shane
jean galvin
May 1, 2004
i am so sorry about jim bob
i loved the waltons so much
and always have god bless love
jean i wish i new more about the
waltons and like john boy take
care
Sherry Grizzle
April 30, 2004
I have been a fan of The Waltons since the program began and still enjoy watching it. Hearing of Jim's death is like hearing about a family member. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
April 28, 2004
April 28, 2004
April 28, 2004
Marie Bradley
April 28, 2004
I am Marie Walker. born in Schuyler Virginia. My family lived next door to the Hamner Family. My dad was Maurice Schuyler Walker. My husband and I were at the reunion where all of the Hamner fam were there and I got to hug jim and meet all of the sisters and it was a real treat. Jason was there with his family and we got to meet with them and get pic of us together. Our sympathy goes to the Hamner Family in the passing of Jim. God Bless and comfort you all. Eldon and Marie Bradley
Val Fitzwater
April 28, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the Hammer family. I am a Walton fan, and have followed the show for many many years. Good-night Jim-Bob.
Edward Allen-Cooper
April 25, 2004
I have been a fan of Earl's work since I first saw the Waltons. I am sad to hear or James passing.
Vivian Lughermo
April 24, 2004
I just want to say that in this day and age when there is so much violence and war it is so content to watch The Waltons and focus on the past when life was good. I recently lost my dad and I come from a big family and I cant tell you the memories I have growing up. When I watch The Waltons those memories come alive for me and I treasure them dear to my heart. Thank you Earl Hamner for giving me my childhood memories back to me. Sorry to hear about your loss. Vivian
Angie Johnson
April 22, 2004
I was very sorry to hear of Jim Bob's passing. I felt that I knew him personally as he is so like other loved ones in my family. Sincere condolences to his family.
Terry Klasek
April 22, 2004
My sincerest condolances to Jim Bob's family! Gee, I sure was looking forward to meeting him in the near future as I am planning a visit to the "Walton's" homestead.
Seeing him broiught to life in the Television series was like a time portal for me. I was the oldest of eight siblings born in late 1946, and I had a brother Jim Bob's age. Much of Jim Bob's intersts my brother bob liked. They also got into much of the same mischief.
Watching Jim Bob being portrayed helped me to see, and relive, my life in the 1950s and early 1960s! I smile fondly despite being tormented occationally by Bob. That is just family.
It saddens me to hear of Jim Bob's passing because I was really looking forward to meeting him. I really enjoyed weeing his smile.
Good Night jim Bob!
Terry Alan Klasek
Amy Dunlap
April 20, 2004
My sincerest condolences to the Hamner family. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Jerry D. Coleman
April 20, 2004
With warm regards and the deepest of sympathy to all the family members. I'm glad we got to meet Mr. Hamner even if it was only by way of TV.
Karen Matonick
April 19, 2004
Our sincere condolences to the Hamner Family on the death of Jim Hamner. Our prayers are with the Hamner Family. Rest in eternal peace, Jim. God Bless! Greg and Karen Matonick
Pastor Bob Philbeck
April 19, 2004
Good night Jim Bob! You brought us much warmth and an eye on the stars. This past April first, you went beyond the stars to your Heavenly abode. We shall miss you but rejoice in the fact that we shall meet you at the Homecoming in Heaven.
Diane Wadleigh-Illerbrun
April 19, 2004
How I wish it was just an April Fool's Day rumour. Perhaps with Jim's often lighthearted, warm approach to life, it is somehow fitting that he leaves us on a date known for having something unexpected happen. Many will smile when they remember him, and that will be often.
Good night, James Hamner xxoo
robert pierce
April 17, 2004
My sincere codolences to the entire Hamner family for there loss may god welcome james into eternal happiness.
Laurie Trepanier
April 17, 2004
Sorry to hear about your brother Jim Bob I recently lost my brother and it is hard but know he is in your hearts. your show was the BEST ever. were praying for your family and Jim,
jennifer batson
April 16, 2004
my heart goes out to the hamner family and your family will be in my prayers.
debbie womack
April 14, 2004
to the family of mr.hamner.i know
how u feel i recently lost my parents and am having a time dealing with it.love from a big fan!
debbie from;wv
Sonja Marino
April 13, 2004
So very sorry to hear of the death of Jim Hamner. He'll be missed by us all. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Polly I know you will miss his visits on your porch in Schyler. Love, Sonja Marino
julie nelson
April 13, 2004
sorry to see you go
Conchita Walker
April 13, 2004
Just heard from another Walton fan about Jim passing away. My condolences to Earl and all the Hamner family. God bless you.
Walton fans in California
Conchita and Stephen Walker
jean galvin
April 13, 2004
i am so sorry to hear about
jim bob i loved the waltons so'much
again i am so sorry god bless to you
and your family love jean please keep
me in touch take care
Etta Coil
April 12, 2004
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, but like many others, I feel as if I have. He was a friend to all and will be sadly missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all who knew and loved him. - An Ohio Walton Fan, Etta
nancy
April 12, 2004
to the harmmer family my love and prayers go out to all you . May the good times you had with your brothere. give you peace and comfont in days ahead
Betsy Greenspan
April 12, 2004
I had both the pleasure and the priviledge of meeeting Jim at Polly's a couple of summers ago.I feel so fortunate to have done so.I will always cherish that memory.
Jim, you were very sweet and funny man and a true southern gentleman.
My heart and my condolances go out to his family and friends.
Shirley Benoit
April 12, 2004
Our deepest sympathy go out to the Hamner family and many friends for their loss.
Bless you and good night Jim
from Shirley, Eric and Daniel
Lynn East
April 12, 2004
My sympathy to all the family. I am 48 years old and I still Love to watch the Waltons. I toured the museum and have books about them. I love them all and so sorry that they took the show off. Love always, Lynn
Jim Barber
April 12, 2004
My sympathies go out to the Hamner family. Jim-Bob was one of my favorite Waltons, and it saddens me to know that the real-life inspiration for the character has passed away. May God bless all of you during this time.
tina solis
April 11, 2004
My condolences to the entire Hammer family and all relatives I AM A WALTON FAN.
Karen Kearney
April 11, 2004
My sympathies to all the Hamner family and Jim's friends. I know he will be sadly missed by all. He was very generous with his time in answering questions about his family and The Waltons and we fans will miss his contributions to the Forum immensely.
Rest In Peace Jim.
Jodi Anderson
April 11, 2004
"Good night" Jim Bob.
Alice McDonald
April 10, 2004
I just want to say how VERY sorry I am about the loss the Hamner family if feeling. I also want to thank them for all they have given to the rest of us! I LOVE the Walton's and I am glad to have been given the chance to "meet" such wonderful people. It is a shame that these family values are not as important as they should be these days. Thanks so much!!!!!
N. J. Persons
April 9, 2004
To the Hamner family---Jim Bob will live in our hearts and minds until we leave this earth for our heavenly home. What a reunion that will be. He'll be playing those good old Baptist gospel hymns and we can all join in. Good Night Jim Bob.
Becky McDermott
April 9, 2004
My condolences to the family. I am sure he will missed by many.
Goodnight Jim Bob
Glenn Wyrick
April 9, 2004
My hearfeft thoughts and prayers go out to the Hamner family at this difficult time. Although I didn't get the chance to meet Jim, I feel like I know him. I feel very priviledged to have met some of his friends and neighbors on some of my visits to Schuyler. They spoke highly of him and I know he is greatly missed. Good Night, Jim
Kenny And Connie Allen
April 8, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the Hamner family and to my friend Polly. I know how much she loved him. We were there a couple of yrs ago and had the pleasure of meeting Jim Bob. He was very personable and down-to-earth. We will always remember our trip to Walton's Mountain and meeting Jim Bob, while enjoying a nice evening on the front porch in conversation with him and Polly. What a peaceful feeling that was. There will be a little something missing on our next visit to Walton's Mountain and to that little Bed & Breakfast. Jim Bob, we'll meet you on the other side Brother...
Kathy Thomas
April 7, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Jims family and friends. We have been going to "Waltons Mountain" for the past 2 years and have had the honor of meeting Jim and sharing some wonderful times, eating on Pollys deck, listening to stories, laughing, drinking wine, and being personally chauffered around by him. He will be greatly missed and will always have a special place in my heart!!
Irene Porter
April 6, 2004
Condolences to the entire Hamner family. My thoughts are with you all. May your intense pain soon fade to happy memories of dear Jim.
Love to you all Irene
Marca & Alex Van Haren
April 6, 2004
We would like to condole the Hamner family and all relatives and friends of Jim with this sad loss.
We have had the pleasure and honor to meet Jim personally and talk with him in his house in Oct 1998.
Jim was the first american ever who gave us a hug, which was very special. We will never forget his warm personality and his great sense of humor and we're sure we will meet again, one day!
jean galvin
April 5, 2004
i am so sorry about jim bob and the lost sorry i love the show of the waltons love jean
Lori Brown
April 5, 2004
My sympathy goes out to the Hamner family. I will always hold fond memories of Jim on Polly's porch. He shared many childhood memories during our visits and I will treasure these forever. Our time with him at the vineyards last summer will always be a special memory. You will remain in our hearts forever.
Bo Hamner
April 5, 2004
My sincerest thanks for everyone's kind words and support. To Uncle Jim, my words fail to express the deep impact you have made in my life and my love for you. I will always feel your presence on any endless summer night when the air is heavy with the scent of sweet shrubs, and filled with the songs of tree frogs and whippoorwills. G'night Unk, I love you.
Peggy
April 5, 2004
Having grown up a few doors down from the Hamners I can attest to the kindness, sweetness and humor of Jim. He will be truly missed.
Peggy "Carter" Burke
Cora Rosenberg
April 5, 2004
The Family of Jim - Bob we are
sorry about Him going on and be
with the Lord. are pray are with you all.
Janice Glanden
April 5, 2004
I wish to extend my condolences to the Hamner family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
charlene&codie brown
April 5, 2004
i was so saddened to hear of Jim's
passing me and my daughter met him at reunions a few times what a great, person made you feel welcome.
just wanted his family and friends to know how much he will be missed.
Cathy Tyree Willis
April 5, 2004
Albert and Gracie Tyree of Schuyler along with their children, Cathy,David and Jeff, send their prayers of comfort to the Hamner family .Jim played at my first wedding. He will be missed by so many.
God Bless,
Cathy Tyree Willis
Eva Tibbetts
April 5, 2004
To the Hamner family; Thank you for sharing your family memories with us through "The Waltons". My condolances to you all in the loss of your loved one. Good Night Jim Bob......
Harriet Thompson
April 5, 2004
We are so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He will certainly be missed. Our sympathy goes to his beloved family and friends.
The Thompsons
BRIGITTE CARTER
April 5, 2004
Good Night Jim-Bob! May Gods love and peace strengthen and sustain your family during this difficult time.
Polly Crum
April 5, 2004
my deepest sympathy to all the family, Earl Paul Audrey Marion and Nancy.
I lost a very dear friend which he made me laugh with his stories and teasing me this damn Yankee don't know how to cook, I am teaching her the southern way.
I will miss him dearly. I will always hear his voice calling out to me in his own special way.
Charlotte Farkas
April 5, 2004
Fondest memories of Jim-Bob and deepest sympathies to the Hamner Family. I will cherish the time spent visiting on Polly's porch. He helped me plot my course back to Texas last summer. He will be missed - but we all shall meet again.
Bruce Harvin
April 5, 2004
Love ya Pops!
The pleasure was mine!
Bruce, Kim , Chelsea & Wyatt
Mary Shissler
April 5, 2004
We were sorry to hear the news of Jim-Bob. We were hoping to have the pleasure of meeting you on our 2nd. trip to Schuyler. The Waltons' is still a favorite in our home, as we have roots in Virginia and our Hamner ancestors. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Mary
ANNE SWEENEY
April 4, 2004
IAM A FAN OF THE WALTONS I HAVE BEEN A FAN FOR MANY YEARS I AM DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE PASSING OF JIM BOB I HAVE MET HIM SERVALTIME I HAVE PICTURES OF HIM AND MY DAUGHTER HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON I ALSO WERE FRIENDS WITH HIS MOTHER WE SET FOR HOURS AND TALKED ABOUT THE FAMILY LIFE DURING THE DEPRESSION WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE LITTLE WE VISIT MRS.HAMMNER WE HAD COFFEE AND CAKE AND THE KIDS HAD COOKIES AND MILK MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAMILY WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE ANNE AND ALEX SWEENEY POWHATAN VA WE HAVE MANY MEMORIES ABOUT THE FAMILY AND THE SHOW
Linda Trefethen
April 4, 2004
With Deepest Sympathy to the Hamner family. Good night Jim Bob you wil be missed
Dot P Phillips
April 4, 2004
JIM
OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH. WE HAVE HAD SUCH GREAT TIMES TOGETHER. A LOT OF LAUGHTER, HUGGING AND MOST OF ALL LOVE.
OUR LOVE AND CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY, MARION,EARL,PAUL AUDREY AND NANCY.
PEACE TO YOU POLLY
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
SINCERELY
THE PHILLIPS FAMILY
GLENN,DOT,GLENNANNE,ROBERT, SPENCER AND SAVANNAH
Donald Nelson
April 4, 2004
With deep sympathy to your family
from someone who was a Walton fan
since the beginning of the series and visited the Waltons Mountain
Museum in October 1999
Wendy Huffman
April 4, 2004
We will miss you so much Uncle Jim. Thanks for the Christmas cactus and all the flowers you have passed my way over the years. Love You!
Wendy
Susan Gilsdorf
April 4, 2004
I never met you but I took care of your brother Willard (Bill) in the hospital, where I also met your sister Marion. What wonderful people! You were all a part of my life for years through "The Waltons", especially when I lived in NC. The stories of your family kept me close to my Virginia roots until I could come home again.
"Good night" and God Bless you all.
Jerry Knop
April 4, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the Hamner family. James (Jim-Bob) had a way of captivating his audience with interesting stories of his youth. He will be missed by many and loved by all that knew him. Good night, Jim-Bob.
Marie Andersson
April 4, 2004
Goodnight Jim-Bob!
-Marie in Sweden
Patrick Lloyd
April 4, 2004
I am a fan of "The Waltons" and was saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Jim at a Walton reunion,where he graciously signed his autograph for me. Jim had a great sense of humor and was very warm and friendly to fans of "The Waltons" TV show. God has him now but we will always have the treasured memories to enjoy.
Peggi Goetsch
April 4, 2004
Jim was a good friend to us all. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Joyce Estes
April 3, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I loved the Walton show have seen them over and over.Need more like it today.
Mel & June Ruff
April 3, 2004
Sincere simpathy to the family and polly, where we met Jim 2 years ago , we were thrilled to meet him, we had our family watch the waltons every week as they grew up. Good night Jim Bob.
donna groner
April 3, 2004
i always felt jim would be the one hamner i would someday meet as i talked my husband into the 6 hour drive to schuyler many times,but i missed him everytime.my heart goes out to the hamner family.
goodnight jimbob
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