James Steve Hamala

James Steve Hamala, 90,of Houston, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2013. James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was born of Czech heritage in Sealy, Texas, September 27, 1922 to Frank J. Hamala and Frances Sliva. James married Cecilia B. Rozycki in Bremond, Texas, on February 17, 1947. James was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Cecilia (1927-1980) and brothers, Louis, Frank, Dominik, John, Rev, Joseph, Emil; and sisters Frances and Otilie. He is survived by daughters Barbara F. Hamala; Madeline C. St. John; son-in-law Thomas L. St. John, and five grand children - Maj. Thomas L. St. John, Jr. and wife Stacy of Scott AFB, Illinois; Derek Anthony St. John and wife Dr. Martha Wolfram of Houston; Stephanie Dawn and husband Jeremy Bradshaw of Moscow, Idaho; Deborah Celia and husband Tim Yatko of Grapevine, Texas; Sheri Dee St. John and fiancee William J. Rose II of Houston. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ashley Erin, Amber Elizabeth, and Kelly Lynn St. John; Jacob Grant, Avery Violet and Blake Morgan St. John; Cyril James Yatko; William Jefferson III and Ethan Thomas Rose. James is also survived by his brother Steve T. Hamala of Pasadena, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

James was a World War II veteran in Army Air Force from Nov. 6, 1942 until his honorable discharge, Sargent grade, October 6, 1945. He served as an airplane and engine mechanic. Battles and campaigns included Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe, Air Offensive Europe. James was awarded 1 Bronze and 1 Silver star, Good Conduct Medal, and 2 Overseas Service Bars.

After 42 years of faithful service as a machinist with Hughes Tool Co., James retired on April 1, 1985. His sideline job was radio/TV repairs in his workshop at his residence on Zoe and Sloan streets.. A natural handyman, James often helped neighbors, family, friends by repairing roofs, cars, and "anything" broken. He was an avid bowler for over 30 years, participating in State tournaments and Kings & Queens senior leagues at Pearland Bowling Center. The Hughes Tool Men's League awarded him the High Game trophy (275) in 1983.

Visitations will begin at 5p.m. Thursday, January 10, at Forest Park Funeral Home Lawndale followed by Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2013 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood Dr., Houston, Tx. 77080. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston. Reception following interment will be at St. Jerome Catholic Church in the Outback.

James Steve Hamala, 90,of Houston, passed away on Monday, JanuaryJames Steve Hamala,