February 7, 1945-August 14, 2026
Chief Master Sergeant James Ray Hamm (Ret.), who also proudly served as the “World’s Greatest Opa,” departed this life on August 14, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born on February 7, 1945, in Houston, Texas, Jim was primarily raised by Maude and Nealy Thomas—the sweetest couple to ever grace this earth. Looking for adventure, he joined the United States Air Force in 1962. After completing Aircraft and Missile Hydraulic Technical School at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, his first duty station was at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. During his active duty career, he had additional duty assignments at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, Sondrestrom Air Base in Greenland, Griffiss Air Force Base in New York, and Stewart Air Force Base in New York. Jim also served two tours of duty in Southeast Asia, where he volunteered to fly in several Operation Blind Bat missions over North Vietnam and Laos while assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, and also served at Cam Ranh Bay in South Vietnam with the 834th Air Division.
After leaving the Air Force, Jim joined the Texas Air National Guard in 1972, serving with the 147th Fighter Wing at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. He held many positions in the Aircraft Maintenance Group, and retired from his highly-decorated military career as the Aircraft Generation Squadron Branch Chief with over 40 years of military service.
Meanwhile, Jim met the love of his life, Carol Anne Hackerott, at an Oktoberfest in 1975. Carol watched as Jim and his friends laughed and stole food off people’s plates when they got up to dance. She came up with a thinly-veiled excuse to talk to him: “Do you know what time it is?” The rest is history. 50+ years of history, in fact.
After a lifetime of service and sacrifice, Jim’s final mission is now complete. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other professionals at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital for their care and compassion.
Jim is survived by his wife Carol of 50 years; his daughters Jamie (Drew) Eastman, Jessica (Keith) Eveland, and Stephanie (Jeff) Hamm Sutton; his son David Hamm and fiancée Mandy Day; his GrandJoys Tiara, Nathan, Ashley, Brian, Darin, Danielle, Arianna, Christian, Aven, and Lyanna; his Great GrandJoys Daniella, Easton, Cade, Tatum, Melody, Lincoln, and Sophia; and his brother Jesse (Bobbie) Goodwin. He was preceded in death by his father Fletcher Goodwin, his sisters Freida Ann Hediger and Rose Ross, his brother Bill Hamm, his daughter Lorrinda Michelle Hamm, his granddaughter Stella Sutton, and his grandson Ethan Hamm.
A viewing will be held at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, Texas 77546, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 4425 FM 2351, Friendswood, Texas, on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to the League City Animal Shelter
11 thoughts on “James R. Hamm”
I lived in Rome, NY from ’59/’72 & my 2 kids were born there. Prayers for you Jess & your family.
Love, Aunt Pat
Jim was a good guy who served his country well. Rest in peace Chief,
Kurt Leslie, Col, USAF (ret)
It was such an honor to know Jim. He was a great man and the kindest man I’ve ever met
Jim and I were stationed at Dyess, Elmendorf and Sondrestrom. He was the best hydraulic man period. R.I.P. and prayers for his loved onrs.
I first met Hamm when I went to work at Ellington Feb. 1972 in Aircraft Instrument Shop. We worked on jets and traveled TDY’s together. He would later become my supervisor. Hamm was a good friend and fair to everyone as a supervisor. Rest in peace Chief.
I am so sad to hear that Chief Hamm has passed. Great human being, I will always remember all the great talks will had on the fightline. God Bless him and his family.
Nothing but the fondest memories of serving with him. Rest In Peace, brother.
Jim was one of a kind. Thoughtful, and a Chief Master Sergeant that truly cared for his troops. I had the honor of directly working with him at the 147th Fighter Wing many years ago in the Aircraft Generation Squadron. He was a friend. I truly enjoyed the many talks we had during our time together. Above all, I always appreciated the mentorship he provided to me as a young officer. His council and advice served me well in my career. A true patriot that won’t be forgotten. He will be missed. R.I.P. my friend. You are in a better place. My condolences to all of his loved ones.
Carol and other family member of James Hamm – I was certainly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We served in the USAF from Basic Training to Tech School in Illinois and to Dyess AF in Texas for almost 3 years. Jim, my late wife Marie, and I spend a lot of time together during those years but then he was transferred to Alaska and I to Okinawa and we lost touch for many years. However, some time after he retired he reached out and it was just like it used to be in the 1960’s! I also remember your visits to our homes in Iowa and again in Kansas and the fact that we stayed in touch via phone and facebook. I am proud to have had him as a friend and proud of all that he has accomplished in his career. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
I’ve known Jim Hamm since 1969 when we worked together at Dynalectron for NASA.
We both joined the 147th ANG in 1972.
We both served as President of the “Ace-in-the-Hole Retiree Association”.
He has been a very close friend and co-worker.
May you rest in Piece.
My condolences to the family. The Lord hold you up n sustain you all strengthen you every day. May he Jim “Rest in Peace”.