Mr. James M Hammett

James (Jim) M. Hammett, passed away November 2, 2015 following a long battle with Parkinson’s. Jim was born July 9, 1930 in Ethridge, TN to Lorenzo and Ada Hammett. He attended Summertown High School where he was a two-sport star in baseball and basketball. After marrying his bride (Ann Rushing) in 1950, he served in the Air Force as an enlisted officer serving in the Korean War. He served the majority of his time in Newfoundland where he worked in the machinery division. During his time in service, he developed a talent with automobiles. Upon an honorable discharge of military service he spent the next 45years working in the automobile industry, eventually retiring from Aetna as an insurance adjuster in 1995. During his retirement, Jim worked at the University of Tennessee ushering Vol/Lady Vol football, Basketball and baseball games. He was a Vol for Life. Dad also loved Watching the Atlanta Braves and spent many nights with his wife enjoying Braves games and National Geographic. Jim was an avid golfer and could be found most weekdays relaxing with friends on the local golf links. Jim experienced his only hole-in-one at Druid Hills golf Course in Fairfield Glade, TN. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandkids relating old family stories and providing wisdom from many of his life experiences. He was a wonderful husband and caring father. We always knew we were loved. Jim was a good neighbor who would do anything for someone in need. He was married for 65 years to the love of his life, Ann, who will miss him greatly.

He was devoted to his family and he is survived by his wife, Ann; sons Sam (Lisa) Lenoir City and Bob (Tammy) Knoxville; grandchildren, Sasha Hammett, Matt Hammett and Jeremy Hammett; brother, Charles Hammett of Lawrenceburg, TN; sister, Helen Holbert of Kodak, TN; many nieces, nephews and other loving extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by; parents, Lorenzo and Ada; brother’s, Dewey, John (Bob), Leo (Buck), Ray and Sisters Ruby Hammonds and Felma Hampton.

There will be a celebration of life and love at Berry HIGHLAND MEMORIAL Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, on Thursday, November 5, 2015 from 11:00am to 1:00pm with the Graveside Service to follow at 1:00pm. The pallbearers will be Juan Alvarado, Ralph Anderson, Matt Hammett, Jeremy Hammett, Jeff Neubert and Craig Neubert. In Lieu of flowers, you may make charitable donations to the charity of your choice or the Parkinson’s Association.