Alma Jean Hamm-Evans

Alma Jean Hamm-Evans went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 9, 2021. A graduate of Gosport High School, she earned her BS in Education from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in teaching from DePauw University. She was a member of Millgrove Methodist church, and the Indiana State Teacher’s Association. She taught in the South Putnam school system for 10 years and loved being around children.

In 1980, Jean ended her teaching career in order to start Magic Circle Corporation, aka Dixie Chopper. When she and her ex-husband launched the company, they started with only $5,000. At its peak, they were selling over 10,000 units and employing more than 200 local community members. She treated every employee like they were family. Often called “Mama Jean” by employees, she wouldn’t hesitate to take time out of her day to talk to them about their troubles whether they were work related or not. She truly was the heart and soul of Dixie Chopper.

After leaving Dixie Chopper, Jean purchased Millgrove Campground located in her hometown of Quincy, Indiana. As she had done with her employees at Dixie Chopper, she bonded with her campers at Millgrove, loving them as members of her extended family. Campers would often stop by her office to visit and end up staying for hours. She loved entertaining them with special events such as the fishing rodeo, 4th of July fireworks, and Halloween Trick-or-Treating.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Bert Hamm; her brother, Dr. Russell Hamm; and one sister, Mary Edith.

She is survived by her siblings: Doris Jane Carpenter (late Kenny) and Jim Hamm (Mae). She is also survived by her four children: Warren (Kathy), Wesley (Lori), Wendi (Donovan), Macky (Ryan); and her grandchildren: Wes, Alesha (Daniel), PJ ( Chelsea), Ashley (Eli), Kyley (Nolan), Cody (Lauren), Marley, Megan, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Rylan; and great grandchildren: Willow, Scarlet, River, Tripp, Maverick, Karma, Annie, Payton, Parish, and Memphis.

Jean leaves behind a powerful legacy, both in terms of her economic impact on hundreds of lives in Putnam County and more importantly in the deeply personal relationships she built with all of the people she touched with her wisdom, her kindness, and her generosity.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 13th from 4-8pm at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home services will be held on Friday, May 14th at 11am. Burial will be at Hudson Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Children’s hospital www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications