On Sunday, April 29, 2018, James “Jim” Edward Hamlet left this earthly life
with his loving wife, Jeri and his adoring children, Kris and Kim by his side.
Jim was finally set free from the confines of a debilitating pulmonary
disease, which he had been valiantly battling for years.
Jim was born on April 20, 1949 in Lynchburg, Virginia to Vernard and Julia
Hamlet. Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968 and went on to
serve our country proudly while aboard the USS Comstock, the USS
Snohomish County, the USS Page County, and the USS Prairie. Jim is a
veteran of the Vietnam War where he served for two tours and was part of
the “River Rats” assigned to the river patrol boats.
After returning from Vietnam, Jim met Jeri Lynn Johnson, who turned out
to be the love of his life. They were married in Salt Lake City, Utah on
November 24, 1971 and were true companions for 46 years prior to Jim’s
passing. Jim would have done anything for Jeri and was completely
devoted to her until his last day. Together Jim and Jeri had 3 children –
Kristopher James, Kaycie Elizabeth and Kimberly Jean. He also welcomed
into the family a very loving daughter-in-law, Brooke. Jim was an
extremely proud grandfather of five beautiful girls – Grace, Abbey, Ellie,
Hannah and Chloe and one very handsome boy - Mason.
Jim was an extremely hard worker and had careers as a salesman, welder,
and mechanic. He retired from Salt Lake County.
Jim was a very busy man who was always on the go and made the most of
his time. He loved going to auctions and estate sales to find “treasures”
that he could then share with his family or sell for a profit. Some of his
favorite items included antiques, jewelry, and auto parts.
Jim was an avid fan of cars and racing. His passion was drag racing and
built several cars, which he raced. He also helped to build cars for friends
and was always willing to use his skills as a mechanic to provide assistance
to those who were in need of an honest opinion.
Jim was a true gentleman with southern charm and treated everyone that
he met with kindness and respect. He will always be remembered as a
family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren more than
anything. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. He was truly one
of a kind.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jeri, son Kristopher (Brooke) Hamlet, daughter,
Kimberly Hammer, grandchildren Grace, Abbey, Ellie, Mason and Chloe
Hamlet and Hannah Hammer and his special grand-pup Cooper. Also,
siblings, Linda Hudnall, Ronnie (Wanda) Hamlet, and David (Mae) Hamlet
of Virginia.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Vernard and Julia Hamlet, sister,
Beverly Jean Hamlet, daughter Kaycie Elizabeth, in-laws, Dale and Phyllis
Johnson and brother-in-law, Thomas Johnson who was also his shipmate
in the Navy.
The family of Jim Hamlet would like to thank the nurses and staff at Valeo
Home Health and Hospice for the love, compassion and dignified support
provided to him and his family as we navigated his care during the last
several months of his life.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday, May 7, 2018 from 6:00-
8:30 pm at the Ivy House – 550 South 600 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102.
All friends and family are welcome to attend and greet Jim’s family.
Casual dress is encouraged.
A Graveside Service will be conducted on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00 am
at the Salt Lake City Cemetery – 200 “N” Street (East of the Veterans Area).
