Harold Richard Hamm

Harold Hamm received his healing from pancreatic cancer on the morning of January 19th, 2015 when he went home to be with the Lord. In his final days, he was surrounded by his wife Kim and children, Travis with his wife Amy, Jon with his wife Stacey, Tonya and her friend Joe, Mary and her friend John, his mother Mary, his brothers Marvin and Paul, sisters Rosalyn, Sharon, Darleen, and many wonderful friends and co-workers.

Harold joined RS&H as Vice President of IT in March of 1998. During his 18-year tenure, he was at the forefront of keeping RS&H current with technology's rapid development to ensure they maintained a leadership position in the Architectural and Engineering industry. In addition to serving RS&H tirelessly, Harold was a dedicated family man, as well as committed to many charitable organizations in the area. He was a long-time board member and advocate of Gateway Community Services, Northeast Florida's largest alcohol and substance abuse agency. Over his 10 years tenure there, he served as Chairman of the Gateway Board, as well as on many of its sub-committees.

Harold was a co-founder of the Jacksonville Information Technology Council; now known as the Jacksonville Chamber IT Council. He was also one of the first founding members of the CIO council. He remained on the council since its formation in 1998, believing in its purpose to discuss, promote IT education and reskilling, and to see where technology could benefit Jacksonville through member companies.

Harold's highest achievement however, is not so much in what he did, but how he lived his life. For anyone who had the opportunity to know him, you likely experienced firsthand how his compassionate nature, strength, and positive outlook overflowed into both his professional and personal lives. He was a mentor, friend, and colleague to many over the years. He was also passionate about the struggling alcoholic and often helped those who were sincerely seeking a life of sobriety whether they were incarcerated, just off the streets or an executive working for a successful company or anywhere in between. He loved and served them all.

Harold's greatest love was his wife, children and grandchildren (Taylor, Shaylee, Jaiden-who is with him in heaven, Kaylin, Alex and Zoe). He loved spending time with all of them and they loved being with him too. He had a quiet wisdom, a sharp sense of humor, incredible patience and a great intelligence that he used to guide and protect his family.

Once a self-professed militant atheist and alcoholic, Harold came to know a power greater than himself, Jesus Christ. Because of their relationship, Harold was able to be the sober (26 years), selfless, thoughtful, generous and kind man that we knew him to be. His life was a love story between a God who knew him before he was born and a man who was willing to turn his life and will over to Him. It is a story of redemption. He was able to walk through his cancer journey free from fear as he trusted the Lord to lead the way. He knew we were following "His" plan and that gave him great comfort particularly through the most difficult times. He had the peace that surpassed all understanding and that could only come from a loving heavenly Father.

Harold touched all of us by his unwavering faith not only through his cancer journey, but over many years. He showed us how to live a life serving and loving others and he taught us how to leave this life with grace, faith, strength, beauty, love and a sense of humor. His life affected many in a very personal and profound way and those he touched will be forever changed because they knew this wonderful man. He will be greatly missed.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12