James R. Hamilton MD

James Richard Hamilton, M.D. passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016 at his home in the Somerfield in Brentwood, TN. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Treadway Hamilton, parents Dr. and Mrs. C. M. Hamilton, and brothers Dr. William M. Hamilton and Dr. Charles M. Hamilton. He is survived by sons James R. Hamilton, Jr. (wife Linda) of Glendale, AZ and John M. Hamilton (wife Diana) of Owensboro, KY; his sister Ann Hamilton Houston (husband Bland) of Silver Spring, MD; brother-in-law Bill Treadway (wife Roxie) grandchildren Nelson S. Sperling III (wife Eunes), James R. Hamilton III, Sarah E. Hamilton, Joseph M. Hamilton (wife Amy), Dr. Emma C. Hamilton (husband Brian Casper), Rory M. Hamilton, and Shevaun R. Hamilton; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was a native of Nashville where he attended Wallace Preparatory School (MBA) and then Vanderbilt University. He joined the DKE fraternity, played Vandy football, and met Ruth Treadway, his wife to be. “Bones” Hamilton was co-captain of the ’43 and ’45 teams. He played with his brother Bill on the “Perfect Season Vandy 1943 Winning Team” which contributed to his fanatical football spirit. (Go ‘Dores!) He graduated VU Medical School in December, 1945.

After interning at Butterworth Medical Center, Grand Rapids, MI, Jim served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. His tour of duty included Japan, Ponape and Guam, Philadelphia, and Long Island. He completed his Dermatological training at the Navy Medical Center in San Diego before returning to Nashville where he joined his father’s practice in 1956.

Jim practiced dermatology for many years, was an associate professor of clinical dermatology at Vanderbilt, and was president of the Tennessee Dermatological Society for several years. He retired at the age of 82. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he had taught Sunday school and was an elected Elder.

Jim was noted for his gregarious personality and he always shared his hopes and interest in Vanderbilt sports which never dimmed. (“Next year…”) Stamp collecting and fishing also gave him great pleasure. Marco Island and Destin, FL were yearly fishing destinations with friends and relatives. He was a devoted caregiver during his wife, Ruth’s debilitating illness. He will always be remembered as a loving devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, dedicated healer, and loyal friend. His ready smile, twinkling eyes, and sense of humor will truly be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church on Franklin road on June 4th at 3:00pm preceded with family visitation starting at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Jim’s name.