James P. Hamilton
“The Skipper”
Dearly loved husband, father and grandfather
Native of Ireland, resident of Belleville, N.J., (86)
James P. Hamilton of Belleville, NJ passed away peacefully at his home, on Friday, July 31, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.
Visiting will be held Monday, August 3rd from 2 until 4pm, and 7 until 9pm at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny, N.J.
The funeral Mass will take place Tuesday August 4th 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, 91 Washington St. Newark, N.J. If you care to visit the funeral home prior to the Mass, please arrive by 9 a.m. Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.
James leaves behind his cherished wife Mary, his daughter Mary (Bob), daughter Sarah (Mike), son James (Sajal), daughter Theresa (Mario), son Michael (Helene). James was predeceased by his daughter Kathleen. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Chase, Siobain, Paige, Aidan, Rachel and Samantha. He will also be missed by his siblings and family members currently residing in Ireland.
James was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He served in the Irish Army as a member of the Military Police Corps. While serving in the army he met and then married the ‘love of his life’- Mary (May) nee Murray and they went on to welcome three children. Upon his army discharge, he then immigrated to America - where he found employment and a place to settle down in Newark. He then sent for and was re-united with May and their three children. The family grew to six children and they moved from Newark to Kearny, N.J. where they resided for many years. He and May ultimately settled in Belleville, N.J.
James worked for Wilbur B. Driver Company as a steel worker and also served as grievance committeeman and shop steward for the United Steelworkers union. He was a steelworker for 25 years until his retirement. He also worked at Mc Governs in Newark and served as a past president of the Frank McGovern Association. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and was a member of and supported various Irish associations over the years and always supported the Newark St. Patrick’s Day parade and the annual Easter march. In 2008 he was honored by the Giblin Association and received a commendation from the Essex County Board of Freeholders, for being an outstanding example of the highest ideals of the Irish-American community.
James (Skipper) will always be remembered for his strength of character, quick wit, Irish pride and his ability to make people laugh (even in uncomfortable situations). He was a great story teller, who held center stage at many a gathering of family and friends over the years. He exhibited an innate artistic talent, as anyone who was the recipient of his artwork, Christmas and birthday cards - can attest to. He made the best homemade Irish soda bread and gladly baked it upon request, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. And who can forget his signature song: ‘The Irish Rover’ which he gladly sang at parties. He was happiest spending time with May (mammy) and his family - telling stories of the good old days. He also loved to golf and never turned down an opportunity to go out and play a good round. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, the family asks that you consider St. Barnabas Hospice. Envelopes are available through Armitage Wiggins.
He was cherished by his family and was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
He was truly one in a million. “There’s only one Skipper”.