I think about Hammy often. How can you not?  His smile, friendliness, and good naturedness are ever lasting memories.  So thankful to know and spend quality years with Ham.

The first thing I think of when walking into a New Albany High School Basketball game is Jimmy sitting across the floor, down on the end waving hello to me. After the games, he would always walk past, waving  his hand and say "Love ya, Dube!" I would say "Right back at you brother." Sometimes I would be quick enough to meet him on the floor, too. I am definitely going to miss that. 

Jimmy was a dear friend and I will miss him greatly. I am sorry I could not make it to the funeral due to health complications. 

Love to all, 
Eric "The Big Dube" Howard 

The world is a lesser place, as a result of the "J-Bird's" (my nickname for Jim) passing. He was a special man with an effervescent personality.  I met Jim when his family moved in the early 1960's onto McTavish Drive, off of Highway 131 in Clarksville,  He quickly became great friends with myself and my buddies, including Doug Watkins, Danny Robey, neighbor Mike 'O.T.' Owens, Bill Prentice and Mike Walker, all of which likewise lived on McTavish, except Bill.  We spent several years together, attending McCulloch Grade School. One time in school I remember the teachers all had to have a meeting during school, and they left us all alone in the room. Jim was in the other 8th grade room, but all of a sudden, he came crawling through our window, to spend time with us!!  It was too funny.  When he heard our teacher coming down the hall, he scurried back out of the window and ran back to his room!!   We played together all summer.  We played "Cops & Robbers" on our bikes, hiding in Lincoln Heights.  We played 'kick the can', basketball and football in my parents yard. We battled in epic whiffle-ball games  in Dana Loy's back yard.  We would race, on our bikes, over to the C-ville swimming pool & would spend all day there!!  We had sleepovers at each others homes. We had GREAT times together, and Jim was a big part of my friends and I's childhood.  Jim & I stayed in touch later in life, including chatting at Bulldog basketball games, but regretfully we should have spent more, including golfing together.  Jim was a great human being and will be sorely missed by all of us - my most heartfelt condolences go out to all who knew him, especially to his family.   Dennis "Deucenberg" Barry

Our friendship/competitveness began with the local paper caught a picture of Jimmy sliding into 3rd and I was trying to put a tag down during a NewAlbany/Jeff baseball game. I didn't know at the time that was the beginning of a 50 year journey. During those years our paths mainly crossed on the ball diamond, both with and against one another. I further got to know Jimmy much better as a teammate with the Kentucky Bourbons. From that point he was known to me as Hammy, Ham, or Hambone.  Every team needs a player like Hammy who would always give 100% effort and always be your biggest supporter.  We became roommates for a period of time where I got to see first hand Hammy's wonderful, honest, caring, inner self.  Every day was special just being around Ham. He made sure of that! Years later  he and I reconnected at Frisches where we spent several hours catching up.  The server wouldn't accept a tip because she said she enjoyed watching 2 guys having so much fun catching up. Hammy had that natural knack of being animated and entertaining didn't he?  Promising one another to get together again, we were able to get a couple of rounds of golf in without a scorecard; just enjoying each others company.  A bunch of his friends and I met with Ham about a month ago. That memory among so many others will remain with me for a long, long time.  Hambone was a special person who touched a lot of people's lives in a positive way.  No one can argue that point. 
He gave everybody a nickname and mine was Toke.  To this day, my Bourbon teammates refer to me, not by my name, but as Toke.  Rest in peace my friend, Nick Nikitas 

Jimmy was always quick with a smile and pleasant greeting. His kindness was genuine and always wished me the best.
Jimmy was class personified. RIP. I am blessed to have been able to consider you a fan and friend.

Our hearts ache with you at Jim's passing.  It was obvious family and friends were of  great importance to him.  Barb and Donnie, you had an awesome big brother who thought the world of you.  You can always measure a man by how he treats his mother.  Jim adored Betty.  That says so much.  May you somehow find his memory to be of comfort and joy and may the tears be overcome by the sweet thought of him.  Heaven's choir has just gained an awesome tenor!  Love to all!

Jim and I are lifetime friends going all the way back to Little League baseball. We always referred each other as "kid". So many memories. R.I.P. my brother. You will truly be missed.



Terri Kay and family,       Jim was a gift from God and we know that you and your family will miss him very much.  On your difficult days rest assured that Jim will become one of your Guardian Angels and help guide you from above.  We will miss seeing him at our reunion committee meetings.  He was a great classmate and friend to all that knew him.  We’ll keep Jim and your family in our prayers.

Terri Kay and Family;
It was heartbreaking to find out that Jimmy had passed away.
He was one of the kindest men I have met, always smiling and so very kind to me every time I saw him.
Please accept my deepest condolescenes.
R.I.P Jimmy - you are definitely going to be missed tremendously.
Rhonda

OBITUARY

Larry James Hammond

February 1, 1950 – October 1, 2021

Kraft Funeral Service

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