James Arthur Hammer, 89
James Arthur Hammer passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, while living at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, with the many tender hands of those who cared for him.
He came to call it “home” and loved the beauty of the mountains, tall trees and green meadows as he walked the grounds. His sense of humor was accepted by everyone and he truly felt love by the caring staff.
He was born Sept. 27, 1923, in New Rockford, N.D.
He was preceded in death by his parents, G. Peter and Rose Mary; brothers, Joseph, George, Thomas, Leslie and Peter; sisters, Evelyn Veen, Doris Jakylovich and Rose Newman; as well as three siblings who died in infancy, Marian, Walter and Charles.
Survivors are his brother, Edward and wife, Sandra, of Nashville, Tenn.; sisters, Alice Veen of Norfolk, Va., Mabel Walsh of Bothell, Wash., Helen Allen of Kalispell, and Marjorie Arnold of St. Petersburg, Fla. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and special “extended family.” We will miss his tender heart and sense of humor.
His military career included the Army from 1943 to 1947, and the Navy from 1950 to 1966, which led him to serve in the African Middle Eastern Theatre as well as France, Italy, Antarctica and aboard the USS General Anderson, USS Karin (Antarctica — Operation Deep Freeze), USS Atka and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.
His favorite duty was time at Little America in the winter of 1958. His many honors included the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, three Good Conduct Medals, Antarctica Service Medal “Wintering Over Clasp,” American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal World War II, Silver Battle Star, and four Overseas Service Bars. Over the years he enjoyed home ports at Seattle, Davisville, R.I., Perth Amboy, N.J., Mayport, Fla., and Bainbridge, Md. The Navy, with his storekeeper's duties, was a good fit for him. He received commendations on the pride he took in his work and how he represented the Navy.
He was a life honorary member of the Knights of Columbus and an American Legion member. He took pride in having his covered wagon and team part of the trail ride in 1989 celebrating the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive.
After leaving the Navy he spent four years farming near Sioux Falls, S.D., with his brother Leslie, and also was employed as a prison guard during those years. In 1969, he came to live in Havre, where he purchased a small farm near the Canadian border where he enjoyed the animals he raised, especially his horses. During his years in Havre he worked at Petrolane Gas Co., Hansen Sheet Metal, Richard Larson’s farm periodically, and held many other jobs as he became a “jack-of-all-trades.” He loved his independence and helping others brought joy into his life.
Private graveside services will be held in New Rockford next summer, per his request. He will be laid to rest next to his brother, Leslie, and his parents, G. Peter and Rose, and other siblings, Marion and Walter.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jim's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and visit Jim’s tribute wall.