James R. Hamilton

Rev. James R. Hamilton, 80, of Meadville, died Wednesday, February 9, 2000, at Wesbury United Methodist Community after a period of declining health.  He was born in Philadelphia, June 12, 1919, a son of Perle and Esther Handley Hamilton.  He married Eleanor E. Smith June 22, 1946, and she survives.

She was a 1938 graduate of Pleasantville, NJ High School, attended Toccoa Falls, Georgia Bible Institute; Graduated from Kings College of New Castle, Delaware; and in 1953 graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  He was ordained in both the American Baptist Church and the USA Convention, the Southern Baptist Conventoin.  During his ministry he served pastorates in Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Kansas and interim pastorates in Iowa, New York and Washington, retiring in 1990 after 45 years of service.

He was a veteran of World War II with the US Army stationed in Alaska.

He was a former member of the Optimist Club of Philadelphia.

In 1948-49, he had a program of Gospel music on radio station WMGW.

Survivors in addition to his wife, include a twin sister, Laura Flood of Belen, NM; a brother, Paul Hamilton of Veguita, NM; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, James R. Hamilton, Jr.; three sisters, Mary Hamilton, Evelyn Truax and Vivian Hamilton; three brothers, Ivan, Harry and Frances Hamilton.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Blooming Valley Cemetery.