Justin Daniel Hamilton

Born January 12, 1973 in Peoria to Daniel and Stephanie (Malone) Hamilton, he married Sara Jean Vaughn on June 23, 2001 in Pekin.

Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Sara; two daughters, Sophia Hamilton and Josie Hamilton, both of Marquette Heights; his parents of Creve Coeur; six siblings, Josh (Kara) Hamilton of Bartonville, Jenae (Ryan) Nimmo of Marquette Heights, Jessica (Matt) Powell of Pekin, Jake Hamilton, Jenessa (Paul) Siena, both of East Peoria, and Jeleighsa (Josh Glider) Hamilton of Dubuque, Iowa; several nieces and nephews, Rylea Wykert, Nora Hamilton, Lawson Nimmo, Palmer Nimmo, Kaitlyn Powell, Lydia Powell, Boston Powell, Kingston Powell, Maxwell Siena, and Esme Siena; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Connie Vaughn of Pekin and his sister-in-law, Erica (Matt) Gleason of Pekin; his two nephews Isaac Gleason, Evan Gleason, and niece Annie Gleason.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Charles and Julia Malone, paternal grandparents Edward and Joyce Hamilton, and two nephews, Maddy and Hudson Nimmo.

Justin worked as a Truancy Officer at East Peoria Community High School District 309, last working Friday, February 14, 2025. He was also the Track and Cross Country coach at EPCHS. He had previously worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Central Junior High School and East Peoria Elementary School District 86. Justin also worked as a personal fitness trainer at various locations, held summer adventurcizing camp “Daddy Daycare” for a few summers, was known as Marquette Heights favorite meter reader and had spent ten years working at Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria.

A loving and dedicated husband, dad, son, brother, and “Funcle,” Justin loved to hike trails in Marquette Heights. A fan of the Chicago Cubs, he loved talking sports, swinging his bat in the living room, playing catch with his siblings, and frequently engaged in what he called “Kiddie Kalisthenics,” which involved making himself a human jungle gym for the many kiddos in his life. He also loved taking walks, disc-golfing, and fireside chats.

GOTTAWANNA was Justin’s motto, and he made it his lifelong mission to motivate his family, friends, co-workers, and students to continuously “move, groove and improve” in all areas of their lives. As the father to two beautiful girls, Justin spent many evenings chatting with them about everything from love to the philosophy of life. His spontaneity and energy taught them how to transform everyday tasks into a fun “jam session”. Being the oldest of seven kids, Justin blazed a trail through the wilderness of life for his six siblings, teaching them that work ethic, compassion, kindness, honesty, and (most importantly!!!) frequent laughter were the keys to a life well lived. These lessons will endure long after he is laid to rest.

Justin’s encouraging, fun, and free spirit touched the lives of everyone he met. His generosity, warmth, and love created lasting memories for all who knew him. Above all, Justin was deeply loved by his family—his wife, his two daughters, and his siblings—who will carry his legacy in their hearts. He leaves behind not just memories, but a deep and enduring love that will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to love and know him.

His celebration of life gathering will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025 at East Peoria Community High School gymnasium with eulogies and sharing beginning at 2 p.m. Inurnment will be at a later date at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Justin was a selfless person and gave the gift of life through Gift of Hope.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to East Peoria Community High School Athletic Dept., 1401 E. Washington Street, East Peoria, Illinois 61611, or towards maintenance and upkeep of Independence Park in Marquette Heights, or the Marquette Heights Disc Golf Course through pekinparkfoundation.org (just select “other” and write “Independence Park in Marquette Heights” or “Marquette Heights Disc Golf Course” in the note section).

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com