James Thomas Hammond, Jr.

James Thomas Hammond Jr. was born in Augusta, Georgia September 23, 1943, to James Thomas Hammond Sr. and Lillie Mae Netherland-Hammond. He had 5 siblings: Edward Thomas Hammond, Thomas Edward Hammond, & Robert Leonard Hammond (all deceased) and Beverly Hammond-Powell of West Palm Beach, Florida. Jim spent his first six years in the small farm house his father built on the Netherland Farm. The family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida where his father had a job offer doing carpentry. Jim graduated from Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach in 1963. He was a member of the mixed chorus and was a part of Friendship 90. Friendship 90 was a goodwill mission sponsored as an outreach to other teenagers in South America. The group performed in 10 countries and 13 cities. Jim was a member of the school’s athletic teams and distinguished himself in track and softball. Following High School, Jim began work with his father in construction. In 1965, he entered the Navy as the Viet Nam War heated up. After training at Pensacola, he served in Maryland and his last year at Keflavik, Iceland. Rising to Petty Officer, he was responsible for training others in communications. He became a member of the Naval Security Group with Top Secret Clearance. He left Military Service in 1969. In 1972, he became an apprentice in the IBEW local 323/728. This year, he celebrated his 50th year as a member, and was awarded his 50-year pin. While in High School, he met Barbara Knapp, who was also a member of the choir. They dated throughout high school and married in 1964. Their son, Bruce Lee Hammond, was born in Iceland in 1969 and their daughter, Christi Jo Hammond in 1971 in West Palm Beach. Jim was devoted to his children. His delight was his granddaughter, Jaley Faye Hammond and her mother Daphne Bledsoe, and also his grandson, Aaron Kyle Berman. After retirement, Jim and Barbara wanted to return to his ancestral home near Midville, Ga. They built a home there and named it Wildhaven Farm. Jim was an avid observer of the natural world. His last years were spent describing the antics of our local residents. James Thomas Hammond Jr. passed into the Lord’s Hands October 20, 2022 at 12:15 am at home. Along with all of his numerous family and friends, we wish him “God Speed”. Jim was a believer and died with the knowledge he would journey home. DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service (706-554-3531). You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.