Jack Hamilton, 67

Wednesday, May 30, 2007
John (Jack) Hamilton

John (Jack) Hamilton, 67, of Mountain Home, died May 24, 2007.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 29, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home, conducted by his close friend and neighbor Chris Varnier. Interment was at the Veteran's Cemetery in Boise.

Jack was born on a farm outside of Marshalltown, Iowa, on Feb.14, 1940, the first child of Leonard and Hazel Hamilton. Two years after his birth his sister Judy was born. Jack spent his first seven years on a farm in Iowa with his parents and grandparents. They then moved to Arizona.

His dad managed a ranch near the Mexican border. A few years later he moved to a ranch in Tolleson, where he completed growing up.

He was active in baseball, 4-H, horses, and working on the ranch. He graduated from Tolleson High School in 1958.

He enlisted in the Army Reserves after his junior year in high school. A couple of years after graduation he transferred to the Air Force where he spent the next 20 years, at various locations worldwide.

In 1965 he married Darleen Walters of Whitefish, Mont. On May 18, 2007, they celebrated 42 years of marriage.

He worked in several career fields in the Air Force, including food service, medical technician, air evacuation, and club management. Jack was a veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1980, he retired from the US Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

He then served with both the City of Mountain Home Police Department, and Elmore County Sheriff's Department. Later he continued serving the community in private security until forced to retire due to poor health.

After retirement, Jack spent the rest of his life in Mountain Home.

Jack enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. He was a dedicated Dallas Cowboy fan and in recent years, a BSU football fan. He never missed a televised game. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing.

Jack and Darleen have one son, Eric Hamilton, born in Germany and one daughter Lindy Little, born in California. In 2001 Jack and Darleen adopted their grandson, William John Hamilton.

Jack is survived by: his wife, Darleen; son Eric and his wife, Laura; daughter Lindy; son William; his sister Judy and her husband, Jim, in Arizona, and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Because of Jack's devotion to his grandchildren, the family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made for new playground equipment at West Elementary School, PTT, 415 W. 2nd North St., Mountain Home, ID 83647, or to the charity of your choice.