James "Jim" R.

Hamilton

James R. “Jim” Hamilton, 75, “flew west” on November 2, 2026, at The Waters of Sullivan.

Jim was born on September 18, 1951, in Sullivan, Indiana, the second of three children born to the late Samuel and Helen (Wilson) Hamilton. He graduated from Sullivan High School with the Class of 1969. He proudly served his country for more than four decades in the United States Army and Indiana Army National Guard, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 and commander of Detachment 10, Operational Support Airlift Command. His combat service spanned the Vietnam War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. As an Army aviator, he amassed more than 11,000 flight hours, including more than 1,000 in combat. An instructor and evaluator pilot in both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, he trained and mentored countless U.S. Army aviators.

Jim’s life was defined by honorable service to his country and a deep love and devotion to his family. The qualities that served him in uniform carried into his everyday life: a strong work ethic, unwavering perseverance, and steadfast leadership. He spoke his mind, gave generously, and left those he loved with a lifetime of memorable advice. As an active member of the Sullivan VFW Post 2459 family, he helped establish both the old and new clubs and was instrumental in obtaining two U.S. Army helicopters for static display, both of which became community landmarks.

His wife, children, and grandchildren were at the heart of his life. His career took him around the world, but being a husband, Dad, and Grandpa meant the most to him. His family and friends will remember his love, his stories, and the lessons he passed along.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marilyn Salesman.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Lana Hamilton; sons, Jes (Miranda) Hamilton, Wes (Autumn) Hamilton, and Evan (Danielle) Hamilton; bonus children, Scott (Kris) Fulford, Craig (Marissa) Fulford, and Ann Hayden; brother, Jack (Regina) Hamilton; grandchildren, Addisyn, Lillian, Harper, Audriana, James, and Jake; and bonus grandchildren, Sidney, Cori, Conner, Sara, Benjamin, and Jenna, along with extended family and friends.

Services honoring a life well lived will be held on November 16, 2026, at Holmes Memorial Chapel. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend all services, beginning with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to join the family afterward at Center Ridge Cemetery for burial with full military honors.