James E. Hamilton
Left Formation November 1, 2019
From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page
Jim Hamilton of Council Bluffs, IA, left formation on 1 November 2019 at the age of 103 and nearly 8 months. Jim was a 335th pilot and likely our oldest living Veteran. Folded wings.
Obituary
Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 103 on Nov 1, 2019. He was a life-long Iowan, growing up on a farm in Lucas County and graduating from Iowa State University where he met his wife Dorothy (Dot). Together they raised three daughters, Susan, Margaret and Julie.
Jim was generous in his sense of duty, serving in the US Army Air Corps during WWII as a B17 pilot with the 95th Bomb Group. He flew 39 missions over enemy territory. After the war he resumed his career as an agriculture teacher, inspiring hundreds of students and adult farmers during his 25+ years in secondary education. He particularly enjoyed mentoring the young men of the Audubon Future Farmers of America chapter, including several who went on to rise to national prominence in their chosen fields. His work with his peers led him to top leadership roles for the state and to serve as the president of the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. His energy and passion for education led him to co-author a widely adopted textbook as well as to write multiple magazine articles on farm management techniques.
He was one of the original founders of Iowa Western Community College and served as its first Director of Adult Education. He was a member of the Council Bluffs Lions Club and Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). In an effort to help the disabled realize their full potential, he worked to establish a site and funding for the Council Bluffs Vocational Development Center (VODEC).
Jim found great joy in his family: his wife and partner for 65 years, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nine siblings, nieces, nephews and especially his Henry County cousins. He and Dot maintained a large vegetable and fruit garden for over 80+ years. He particularly loved apple pie and strawberries but disliked marauding squirrels, racoons and deer.
Jim is survived by his daughters, sons-in-law Mike and Jeff, granddaughter Erin, grandson Dan and wife Starlight and great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Published in Des Moines Register from Nov. 14 to Nov. 17, 2019.