R. James "Jim" Hammontree

He is survived by his four children - Bob Hammontree (Carol), Charles Hammontree (Phen), Hope Davenport (Patrick), and Barbara Bennett (Keith); 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, John Hammontree; sisters-in-law, Annette Marcinkoski and Marcella Hansel (Gary); brother-in-law, Frank Marcinkoski (Martha); and 15 nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Helen (Cully) Hammontree; sister, Nancy Proctor; brother, Daniel Hammontree; grandson, Craig James Frost; and his “Polish Princess” and loving wife of 61 years, Irene Marcinkoski Hammontree.

Born December 16,1933, in Akron. He spent much of his childhood in Cleveland where he was honored as a preteen with the Ad Altare Dei Catholic Service award from the Bishop of Cleveland. His family then moved to Firestone Park in Akron. He attended St. Paul's Parish where he earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 14. Jim graduated from Garfield High School. While attending the University of Akron he met the love of his life, Irene, where they enjoyed many social activities through the Lone Star fraternity. Jim graduated first in his class with a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron. The early part of their marriage found them in Norfolk, VA where Jim proudly served as a Lieutenant in the Army for the Transportation Corps. After the Army he continued service in the Army Reserves and moved to Cleveland, then Parma. His last move was to Stark County where he lived for the past 62 years.

Jim's professional accomplishments were many as his intelligence, leadership, and business acumen were evident very early in his career. As a young engineer, he was elevated to project manager for HNTB in designing the highway systems connecting Canton, Akron, and Cleveland. Jim was then hired as the first full-time city engineer for the City of North Canton. In 1966 he founded his own civil engineering and surveying consulting firm, now known as Hammontree & Associates, Limited. Three of his children followed in his footsteps in the civil engineering and surveying professions in the family business. Many major civil works projects with the Hammontree mark are found throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He was awarded the distinction of Life Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers and with the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping. The College of Engineering at Akron University recognized Jim as the alumni of the year for his dedication to excellence in the engineering field and his train engineering students through the university’s co-op program at the Hammontree firm; in addition to establishing a perpetual scholarship fund for civil engineering students. The American Council of Consulting Engineers selected him to serve on the first international board of peer reviewers where he shared his knowledge, expertise and advice to other consulting companies focusing on improving and setting best business practices.

Jim always said the best decision he ever made was to marry Irene and their proudest accomplishment was raising their four children. In retirement, Jim and Irene traveled the world with visits to 65 different countries, which brought to life Jim’s interest in history, mapping and archeology.

Jim served 2 terms as councilman then as Mayor of Hills and Dales Village for 10 years. He made lasting friendships through Rotary. He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Jim was a member of Brookside Country Club for 43 years; and a faithful brother of The Lone Star fraternity, the longest independent fraternity in the US, which recognized him with the distinguished Alumni of the Year award.

Jim lived his life according to the Golden Rule and by the Scout Oath and Pledge which he recited many times to his children and grandchildren. Jim led his life by the example of hard work, loyalty, and duty and will be remembered as a loving man dedicated to his faith, family, community and country.

A visitation will be held at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, located at 5000 Everhard Road NW, Canton, OH 44718, on January 19, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, located at 3430 St. Michael Blvd. NW, Canton, OH 44718, on January 20, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Donations may be made to Canton Regional Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship Fund.