James Francis Hammill passed away suddenly at the age of 81 in Helena, Montana. Born in Philadelphia, Jim was the oldest of seven children and moved around the United States in his youth as his father, a US Army physician, was transferred from base to base. The family eventually settled in Bergen County, NJ and Jim graduated from Don Bosco High School in Ramsey in 1961. He played football at Don Bosco and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He made connections there with staff and classmates that he continued to nurture up until his death.
Jim graduated with honors from Boston College in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. In 1968, he received his JD degree from Columbia University Law School in New York City. He met his future bride, Patricia McCarthy Hammill at Boston College where she was also a student. Jim and Pat married in Boston on July 20th, 1968. They began their married life in Hackensack, NJ where Jim served as a law clerk to two New Jersey Superior Court judges. After his clerkship, Jim joined the law firm of McCarter & English in Newark, NJ, the oldest and largest law firm in the state. Jim served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the US District Court for the District of New Jersey sitting at Camden, NJ from 1980 to 1983. He returned to McCarter and English and finished his career as a partner in the firm, having opened their Cherry Hill office. Jim and Pat enjoyed raising their boys in Moorestown, NJ during this time.
Always the adventurers, Jim and Pat decided to come West and moved to the Helena area in 2001. They lived in Montana City initially. Jim always wanted big views and large decks. After a few years they decided they really missed the chance to be near a lake or river. They found a beautiful spot on Lake Creek in Troy, Montana. After going back and forth for several years, they decided to move there permanently. In 2019, they moved back to Clancy, Montana.
Jim was first and foremost a great husband and father. He was so proud of all his sons and daughters-in-law and grandchildren. He loved being a grandpa. Central to his life was his Roman Catholic faith and his devotion to God. In whatever community he resided, the Church was a central part of his public and private life and he leaned on his faith in many of life’s most difficult decisions. Whether in his professional career, his family life, or his personal relationships, this faith anchored him and guided all that he did.
He also found time for membership in numerous civic organizations and clubs. He was a former president of the Burlington County NJ Bar Association, a founding member of the Moorestown Rotary Breakfast Club, a member and former President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Helena, a board chairman of Good Samaritan Ministries in Helena, and was Chair of the North Jefferson County Library System. In his retirement, he was a Hospice Volunteer and helped many people in their final years. He also volunteered ferrying books between the Clancy and Boulder libraries. He was never without a good book to read! An avid weightlifter, Jim enjoyed staying fit and was always experimenting with new new lifting programs and provided mentoring to younger powerlifters coming into the sport.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dr. James F. Hammill and Francesmary Hammill. He was also predeceased by an infant son, James F. Hammill III who passed away in 1969. He is
survived by his three sons: James Patrick Hammill of Helena, MT, Michael G. Hammill (Susan) of Flemington, NJ, and grandchildren Lydia and Audrey, and Matthew J. Hammill (Youmie) of Tully, NY and grandchildren Elise and Luke. He is also survived by his six brothers and sisters: Joan Glassner (Dr. Norman) of Juno Beach, FL, Dr. Hunter Hammill of Houston, TX, Alice Holahan (John) of Poolesville, MD, Vivian Hammill (Linda Sandman) of Montana City, MT, Eileen Reeve (Gus) of St. Augustine, FL, and Patricia Sabo of Congers, NY. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The Hammill family would like to thank the first responders who came to Jim’s assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1110, East Helena, MT 59635 or to Options Clinic, 1005 Partridge Place, Suite 1, Helena, MT 59602 or a charity of your choice.
A viewing for James will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 4-5pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. The funeral mass will be on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 12pm at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs St., East Helena, MT 59635. A reception following the mass will be held at the church. Inurnment will be private for the immediate family at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday July 21, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 PM
Monday July 22, 2024
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday July 22, 2024
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday July 21, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 PM
Monday July 22, 2024
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday July 22, 2024
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
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Cheryl Vukasin says
Dear Patricia and Family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Jim always brought laughter and joy when he shared stories about his life and experiences. He will be greatly missed and loved by so many.
Patricia, we are here for you and your family. Please know that you mean so much to us!
Love Randy & Cheryl Vukasin
Donald Antonietti says
Sorry about your loss our thoughts and prayers with you all
Hayden Smith says
Dear Pat and family: Jim was my mentor and dear friend after I started my career at McCarter. I have many memories, but one of my favorites is his useless attempt to get Tom Daly to lift weights in your old house in Rumson. I am not surprised to learn that he was a fellow Rotarian. Betty and I have all of you in our thoughts. With love, Corky Smith
James Hunderfund says
Dear Pat and Family,
Going way back to our Don Bosco Prep years, Jim’s legacy as a top student who also excelled as a popular school leader ,
football team captain and a consummate weight-lifter made him someone we all respected and admired as a “stand-up” guy. I personally enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. Jim was a true friend, a man of his word and a role model all should emulate. I’m sure he’s enjoying heaven with Billy Gunn just holding a place for us to join the party.
Craig Cooper says
Dear Pat and family,
Jim was a very close friend during our early days at McCarter & English. He helped with two home moves. We had a rather substantial dresser. Jim found it more convenient to lift it himself rather than deal with an unco-ordinated mate at the other end. His physical strength was surpassed by his moral principles. He was fully versed in concepts of fairness and ethics. He was eminently suited for a career in the judiciary. A very fine, stand-up man.
Dennis Sheehy says
Jim was a great and good man. He was always there to help and guide those in need. A good Christian and proud of his Irish heritage. Jim will be missed by those who knew him. The best to Jim’s family in this tough time.
Janet and Dennis Sheehy
Mark Bober says
Our sincere condolences to the Hammill Family.
R.I.P. Jim.
Mark & JoAnn Bober
Bob Nodes says
Jim made a lasting impact on me and many others during our time at Don Bosco. Having someone like him who exuded confidence and positivity was inspiring and helped keep you grounded in your own experiences as you faced the challenges of each school day. His presence on campus was always a reminder to me of why I was really there . He provided a positive influence on everyone he met and will be truly missed by all those who had the privilege to know him.
Bob 61
Mike Sisbarro says
Jim was always an exceptional classmate, student, and athlete. His life after Don Bosco proves that he did not slow down after graduation. Aside from his academic achievements, I can still picture his incredible physique and ever-present smile. I don’t recall Jim ever saying a harsh word to anyone, and he was always there for the little guy. Jim, you were among the very best of our class, and it was my privilege to know you.
Mike Sisbarro ’61
John K callahan, Jr says
Jim had an infectious smile and personality. I had the honor of being on the same football team and vividly remember his leadership and athlethic ability. A top student, a straight shooter and an example for all of us, he will be sorely missed but always alive in our memories. Our deepest condolences.
Vince Boland says
You will be missed by the whole country. Your enthusiasm for life was infectious.
Rest In Peace old friend.
SCOTT ERICKSON says
Jamie and I are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed the great parties at our house, especially the white elephant party where Jim won the “Samurai Sword.” He was a great member of the library board, where he never hesitated to help or share his thoughts. He will be greatly missed.
Steve and Margaret Hoyle says
Dear Pat and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passage. We so enjoyed our time together in Helena. Steve was just sharing a great memory of one of his and Jim’s hikes. They had so much fun, together. Please take care. 💕
Terri Keeley says
Dear Pat and family,
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s death. He was a mentor to me for many years at McCarter & English, always supportive and full of life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.