James Hamilton

James Floyd "Jay" Hamilton, aged 73, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2024, in Hillsdale, Wyoming, surrounded by his family. Born on November 23, 1950, in Oakland, Maryland, Jay was a respected veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a cherished member of his community.

Jay dedicated 22 years to the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Geodetic Surveyor and Diesel Mechanic, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career began with joining during Vietnam in 1969, marking the start of his distinguished service. Following his military retirement, Jay continued to work as a long-haul truck driver for companies such as PDQ and Clean Harbors until his full retirement in 2016.

Outside of his professional life, Jay was a passionate enthusiast of cars, semi-trucks, and trains. He was also skilled in woodworking and welding, often spending his free time building structures on the family farm. Family game nights were a favorite tradition full of love and laughter, reflecting his role as a dedicated family man.

Jay is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Cindy Hamilton; daughters Stacy Smenos, Barbara Baker, Carolyn Foate, and Patricia Hamilton; son Harold “Jay” Hamilton II; sister Jinx McNeer; daughter-in-law Kayla Hamilton; grandchildren Autumn Craigo, Jade Bentzen, Kendric Young, and Lorelei Hamilton; and great-grandchildren Jacob and Ivory Craigo. He was preceded in death by his father Harold James Hamilton, mother Joan Hamilton, sister Jerilyn Hamilton, and daughter Scarlett Hamilton.

Services will be held on August 21, 2024, at 10:30 am at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with interment to follow at Cheyenne National Cemetery at 12:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will occur at Little America Hotel in Cheyenne at 1:00 pm, where lunch and beverages will be served.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Jay's memory. The arrangements are being handled by Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Jay's life and service will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.