James Hamilton Jr. September 7, 1932 – August 16, 2020

James (“Jim”) Norman Hamilton Jr. died at the age of 87. He was born in Pine Bluff to Norman and Gertrude Hamilton. After graduating Pine Bluff High School in 1950, Jim served as a member of the Army ROTC and attended Henderson State College graduating in 1954. At Henderson State, he met, Virginia (“Jenny”) Johnson, and they married on August 22, 1954 in Holly Grove.

Jim began working in a men’s clothing store while in high school. After completing Officers’ School in Fort Benning, Georgia, he received orders for Wildflecken, Germany, where he became a First Lieutenant. After leaving Germany, he continued his service in the Army Reserves, where he was discharged at West Point, New York, after rising to the rank of Major.

As a chemist at Phillips Petroleum, Jim and Jenny settled in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where they began their family and were blessed with three children. Jim’s tenure with Phillips included a transfer to Suffern, NY. He then accepted a position with Katalco Catalyst in Chicago, IL, where he continued to excel. After moves to Houston, TX, Wheaton, Illinois and El Toro California, Jim and Jenny retired in Bella Vista. Jim, however, continued to work as a consultant for Amlon Metals until he was 83.

The focal point of Jim’s life was his role as a husband and father. He devoted his life to his family. A faithful Christian, Jim’s hallmark characteristics included being generous, considerate, loving, kind and loyal. He attended church weekly and worked tirelessly for each of his congregations over the years.

Jim’s parents, Norman and Gertrude Hamilton; and son, Mark Hamilton, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Jenny; two children, Mike Hamilton (Kathleen), Melissa Hamilton Varady (Scott); four grandchildren, Bo Hamilton, Lauren Parent, Nathan Varady and Emily Varady; three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Andrew and Fiona Parent; sister, Norma Lou (Kent); and numerous nephews and nieces.

Graveside services were August 20 at Macedonia Cemetery in Holly Grove. Arrangements were by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home Brinkley.