Racine – James M. Hamilton, Jr., 70, received the promise of eternal life on February 21, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Racine on March 18, 1946, son of James and Louise (Née: Hickey) Hamilton, Sr.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Louise Patterson, on December 28, 1968.

Jim was a jokester and comedian at heart. He enjoyed photography, landscaping, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and a charter member of the Upper Mississippi Duck Bill Collectors. Jim also was an avid wood craftsman and loved to make wooden treasures for his family and friends to enjoy for years to come.

Jim contributed to the service of our Lord in so many ways. He studied English, religion, and communication at St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN. He moved back to Racine in 1969 with his wife and mother of four children to come. He became an apprentice tool and die maker for Letsch Manufacturing Company and later became president of the family business, Greene Manufacturing Company. While at Greene, he put his energy into raising funds for the United Way. He also supported Louise Hunter and her missionary efforts. He advised the Board of Directors for St. Luke's Hospital and the Taylor Home for Children. He was a lifetime member of St. Rita Catholic Church. There he added value by serving on the Parish Council. In 1994, Jim was voted "Small Businessman of the Year" for Racine County for which he was deeply honored. For Jim, the ability to serve his family and his community was paramount in his life.

Jim was a husband extraordinaire; supporting father and guide; deeply loved and admired son and brother; a bright burning light as a grandfather; an uncle that was trustworthy, honest, and loving; and a true friend to so many others.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Patricia Hamilton; children, Heather (Kevin) Orth, James (Angela) Hamilton, Julie Maree, Caroline Hamilton; grandchildren, Tom Smith, Alec Smith, Kate Smith, Ella Orth, Jon Orth, James Hamilton, Alison Hamilton, Sophia Hamilton, John Hamilton; mother, Louise Hamilton; sisters, Josephine (Paul) Yeoman, Maryann (Mike) Ricker, Joan (Steve) Greenberg; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, James Hamilton, Sr.; and brother, Michael Hamilton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017, 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 25, 2017, 10:00am, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, with Rev. Richard T. O'Leary officiating. Gathering time for family and friends on Saturday is suggested for 9:30am at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Patricia Hamilton for a living memorial to be setup on a later date.

" We should all try, every day, to make the most of our God-given talents" -Jim

Service Details

**NOTE:  The visitation date and location are different from the funeral date and location**

Visitation Date:  Friday, February 24, 2017

Visitation Location: Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Mount Pleasant, WI 53403

Visitation Time: 4:00 until 7:00

Funeral Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017

Funeral Location:  St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, Racine, WI 53402

Gathering Time before Mass:  9:30am

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00am

Interment:  Following the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia.

Memorial Suggestions

To Patricia Hamilton for a living memorial to be established on a later date.

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