John F Hamilton was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone exceptional and special. To family and friends who knew him best, John will be remembered as a very exceptional person.
He was the son of Charles and Agnes Hamilton. John grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was raised with one sibling. He had one younger brother, Charles (deceased). John was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. John and Charles were close and they shared many life experiences over the years.
As a young boy, John had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. John was an active child who took part in football, swimming, and fishing. In his spare time he also liked poetry. However, to John, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.
A typical teenager, John had a happy high school experience. He graduated from North Catholic High School. John found pleasure in sports and in high school he played racquetball, enjoyed jogging, and fishing.
John enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but John was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his ABA at Columbia College. His favorite courses were law related.
Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, John enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, his best friend was Jack Fleuhr. Later in life, he became friends with Frank McManos, Chuck Atkinson, and Joe Calloway.
On July 5, 1952, John exchanged wedding vows with Kathleen "Kaye" Max. Together, they had five wonderful children. John worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. John had two sons, Michael and John, and three daughters, Kathleen, Maureen, and Eileen. John was also blessed with eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Later in life, John met Carol McCarney. They shared many things in common and forged a close and loving relationship. They were married on December 2, 1994 at Fort DIX, NI in Buckingham, Pennsylvania. John adored Carol and they loved to travel together. In love, empathic and loyal, John was committed to making Carol happy.
John proudly served 30 years in the United States Army during two conflicts. His military awards include: the Legion of Merit Medal; Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and two oak leaf clusters; Purple Heart Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Good Conduct Medal 9th Award; World War Two Victory Medal; World War Two Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star; Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars; Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; United Nations Medal Service Medal for Korea; United Nations Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Korean War Service Medal; Army Presidential Unit Citation Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; and the Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation. CSM (retired) John Hamilton also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger tab, U.S. Army Recruiter Badge, the Glider Badge, and the Master Parachutist Badge. After retiring from the military, John enjoyed a career in hospital administration.
John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. In addition to fishing, his favorite pursuits were reading, and wood working. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
John enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included touring many European castles when stationed overseas and visiting all 50 states. John was also a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Scooter, a mutt.
John retired in 1993. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.
John passed away on November 26, 2018 in the loving comfort of his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Services were held at St. Andrews Catholic Church. John was laid to rest in Southern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. John is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Michael, John, Kathleen, Maureen, and Eileen. His memory will continue to be cherished by his eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, extended family and many close friends.
Simply stated, John was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. John leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember John F Hamilton.
