James Victor Hamilton

James Victor Hamilton, 84, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away on October 12, 2026, in Grapevine, Texas, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, dedication, and unwavering devotion to those he loved most.

Born on July 3, 1942, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to George E. Hamilton and Martha A. DeSha, James lived a life defined by integrity, hard work, and commitment to family. He graduated from John Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas, in 1960 and continued his education by studying Liberal Arts beginning in 1961. Never one to stop learning, he later attended trade school for two years and completed the Radio Relay Operators Course at Camp Pendleton in 1966.

In 1965, James answered the call to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. During his two years of military service, he spent a year deployed in Vietnam and earned the Marksmanship Badge Rifle M-14, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. The values he developed as a Marine remained with him throughout his life and were reflected in the way he worked, led, and cared for those around him.

In 1968, James married the love of his life, Scharlene Moore. Together they built a marriage filled with love, commitment, and countless family memories. Their partnership became the foundation of a family that would remain the center of James's world for the rest of his life.

James began his career with Southwestern Bell in 1971. Through dedication and perseverance, he built a successful career that continued through the company's evolution into AT&T, where he retired in 1999 after nearly three decades of service. Retirement did not slow him down. He went on to work for H&R Block for more than 25 years, continuing to serve others with the same professionalism and reliability that defined his career.

Although he worked hard, James knew how to enjoy life. One of his greatest passions was golf. He participated in numerous AT&T golf tournaments, earning many trophies and enjoying the competition and friendships that came with the game. He also loved fishing, watching football, building projects with his hands, and working in his yard. Whether he was outdoors, working on a project, or spending time with loved ones, James found purpose and satisfaction in staying busy and productive.

More than anything, James loved being surrounded by family. He treasured holiday cookouts, birthday celebrations, and family vacations to Estes Park, Colorado. He was known for proudly wearing his ugly Christmas sweaters each year and creating traditions that his family will cherish forever. His family remembers him as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man who could build, fix, or figure out just about anything. He was dependable, steady, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand when someone needed him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, George E. Hamilton and Martha A. DeSha, and his brother, Robert Hamilton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Scharlene Hamilton of Red Oak, Texas; his son Bill Hamilton and wife Tina Hamilton of Red Oak, Texas; his son Chris Hamilton and Carolyn Elam of Longmont, Colorado; and his daughter Laura Hamilton of Arlington, Texas. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Marc Hamilton, Montana Hamilton, Bradley Adair, and Matthew Hamilton, along with five beloved great-grandchildren.

James leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years alone. It lives on in the lessons he taught, the traditions he created, the values he instilled, and the example he set every day of his life. He was a Marine, a provider, a mentor, a competitor on the golf course, and above all, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His strength, generosity, work ethic, and steadfast love will continue to guide those who knew and loved him for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James's memory to Folds of Honor.