Our mom, Mary Katherine Greta (Hamilton) James, (also known as ‘Snooky’ to some college friends, siblings and nieces), passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by family just one day shy of her 96th birthday on September 17, 2024. She left us with a profound sense of loss but also a rich and loving legacy to her 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Mary was born on September 18, 1928 to Benjamin and Winnie Hamilton in Whitman, Nebraska. She attended school in Whitman and Mullen Nebraska then Scottsbluff Junior College in Scottsbluff NE. She was the youngest of the five, 3 sisters; Peggy (Gilardi), Kay (Deaver) and June (Murphy) and one brother; Estel Hamilton.
Mary K. Hamilton met, dated then married Gordon L. James on September 7th, 1951 in Scottsbluff, NE. Their adventure begins with the U.S. Navy/Coast Guard where one by one her 5 children joined the union. Laurie Lynn (Heaton), Casper, WY born in North Kingston (Quonset Point Naval Air Base), RI 1954, Steven Lee (Ana), Rancho Mirage, CA born in Newfoundland (Argentia Naval Air Base), Canada 1955, Gary LaNeal, Cameron Park, CA in Miami, FL, 1957, William Henry (Bill), Dix, NE in Miami FL 1959, Nancy Kay, Eustis, NE (Mark Bellamy) in Elizabeth City, NC, 1960.
In 1961, the family settled in Dix, NE, where mom embraced her role as a devoted wife and mother. She became an integral part of the community, contributing her many talents to various endeavors, from supporting her husband’s business to selling Avon, Mary Kay, and Sarah Coventry. Mom also enjoyed writing the Dix news for the Kimball & Sidney newspapers and was actively involved in local organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary, the Dix Soiletts Garden Club and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was particularly proud of her hole-in-one at Four Winds Golf Course in Kimball, NE and cherished her time with friends; playing bridge, going to concerts, and calling bingo at the Manor.
Mother Mary’s vibrant spirit and quick wit were a source of joy to all who knew her. Her home was a place of laughter and warmth, where all of her family and friends wanted to gather year round, for delicious meals, games, and cherished conversations. Her ability to bring people together and create memorable moments was a true testament to her loving nature.
She is lovingly remembered by her 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by her kindness and generosity. Her legacy continues through Abby (Brad) Holwegner, Dain (Danielle) Heaton, Waylan (Josi) Bellamy, Bryn (Trevor) Wells, Gage Bellamy, Valan (Jeremiah) Dickinson, Cole (Ellen) James, Adam James, Vaughn, Grayson, and Sterling James, and Brittney (Konrad) Swartz. Her great-grandchildren include Jordan and Ethan Heaton, Kyler, Ryker, and Isaac Holwegner, Braydon (late) and Jake Swartz, Boone and Noah Wells, Clark James, and a new baby boy Bellamy on the way, numerous relatives on her and her husband’s side & many friends in her community. (You all know who you are and where you fit in.)
Mom has joyously joined her husband, parents, siblings, in-laws, one great grandchild, many relatives, friends (as well as several pets) in the great hereafter and will be awaiting the rest of us with open arms!
Services will be held, Friday, September 27th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 511 S. Howard St. Kimball, NE at 11 am with reception to follow. Mom will be laid to rest next to her husband and relatives, in Potter Nebraska, by her family at a later time. The services have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
