James Hamilton

James Donald Hamilton, 88, born May 27, 1925 in Florence, Alabama, passed away on January 3, 2014. He grew up in the Houston Heights and graduated from John Reagan High School in 1943. After serving 3 years in the Military Police Unit of the U.S. Army, he returned to Houston and graduated from the University of Houston in 1952 with a B.S. in art. Jim had a long career as a Superintendent with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, Jim was a lifetime union member of International Association of Stage and Theatrical Employee (IATSE) Local 51, working as a stagehand for more than 50 years. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Alice Allene Hamilton. He is survived by daughter Donna Traylor and husband, Sid, son Paul and his wife, Renee. In addition, Jim was the proud grandfather of: Sarah, her husband, Brad Hollas, Christa, Rebecca, Albert, Erin, Jordan, Janie, Brynne and Reese. He also leaves behind many other loving family members and friends. Visitation will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale, at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2014; the service will follow at 10:00 a.m. Following the graveside service, please join the family at the funeral home for a reception. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in to the Houston Grand Opera, 510 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002-1504.