Born in 1930 to Glen and Lucy (Kirby) Hammond he grew up and graduated high school in Weaubleau, Missouri. Shortly thereafter, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force where he would spend 20 years serving in the dental corps on bases all over the U.S, New Foundland and Vietnam. In 1951, he married Betty Jean Judy of Springfield, Ohio.
After retirement in 1970, Jim and Jean resided in Independence, Missouri. Jim continued to work in various jobs, until returning to the dental service in the VA Hospital at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
Upon leaving the VA dental service Jim and Jean returned to Weaubleau, Missouri, but would move many times in the following years living in Montrose, Cameron, Glenaire, Missouri and Clovis, New Mexico finally settling in Gladstone, Missouri. They enjoyed time with their children and grandchildren, square dancing, auctions, fishing, friends, and their dogs.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; and his sons, David and Michael.
He leaves a daughter, Robyn Bousum (John); son, Patrick Hammond (Belinda); daughter-In-law, Denette Hammond (Creswell, OR); his cousin and great friend, Frank Breshears; 7 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
Jim always said he had great neighbors in Gladstone. Thank You All.
And his famous quote was, “Be true to your teeth and they will never be false to you.”
Godspeed, Dad.
Jim and Jean will be inurned at the Leavenworth National Cemetery (105 Muncie Rd. Leavenworth, KS 66048). Military Honors with Services will be Thursday December 15, 2022, at 12:30 PM.
Jim requested contributions be made to Meals-On-Wheels at Northland Shepherd’s Center 5601 NE Antioch Road, Suite 12, Kansas City, MO 64119; northlandsc.org.
