James "Jim" Hamilton

Normal 0 James Monroe Hamilton, formerly of Elton, WI died Monday in Rockford, IL. James was 81 years old. Mr. Hamilton was born on May 8, 1930 to the late John and Bertha (Bailey) Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton spent his childhood in Elton. He married Margie Kegley on May 5,1956. She preceded him in death in 2004. He served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955, serving in the Korean War. Mr. Hamilton worked for Johnson Motors and Outboard Marine Corporation for over 30 years. He then became an independent consultant in the die cast industry. During these years, Mr. Hamilton lived in Kenosha. He returned to Elton upon retirement. Most recently, Mr. Hamilton resided in Rockford, IL with his daughter, Suzy Rasmussen. In his retirement years he enjoyed his home overlooking the Elton Creek, time with his children and grandchildren, watching the grandchildren four-wheeling, fishing, and his trips to Tucson, AZ. He was talented at refinishing furniture. Mr. Hamilton experienced many special moments in his life, he was able to meet and know his grandsons who have resided in Germany and most recently welcomed his sixth great grandchild, Anthony James into the Hamilton family. He was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Antigo. Mr. Hamilton is survived by a daughter, Deborah (Robert) McDermott of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Susann (Thomas) Rasmussen of Rockford, IL; a son; Kelly (Estrada) of Germany; and a brother; Richard Hamilton of Elton, a daughter-in-law Manuela Hamilton and son-in-law Michael Wegmann, both of Kenosha; 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his wife Margie Wendrock, a daughter Virginia "Ginger" Wegmann; a son Frank; 3 sisters; Olia E. Pelky, Hazel Hughes, and Mary Brown, and 2 brothers; Alfred Hamilton and Carl "Butch" Bailey. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 1 at 3:00 P.M. at Sherry Cemetery. Rev. Michael Spaude will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.