James Alvin Hamilton

James Jim Hamilton, 86, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025 with his wife and son by his side. He was born on March 3, 1939, in Flint, Michigan, where he spent the majority of his life before retiring to the beautiful Arizona mountains. Jim’s life was one marked by love, dedication and service to his community.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Ries Hamilton, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He is also survived by his devoted children: daughter, Joell Beether, her children, Nicolas and Rachel, and son James Hamilton, his wife, Terese, and their children, Thomas James, his wife, Natalie, Josie Timothy, her husband, Caleb, and Ries .  Jim was a proud grandfather, who cherished each moment spent with his grandchildren, always eager to share his wisdom, his love and his laughter. Jim‘s career in law enforcement spanned more than two decades, beginning with him being sworn into service to the Flint Police Department on August 31, 1959. His dedication to serving others led him to rise through the ranks, becoming a detective on April 1, 1973, and later as Sargent on May 27, 1979. He retired from the force on April 26, 1985, but never stopped sharing the stories of his work and the people he served, often recounting his experiences with great detail.

Alongside his career in law-enforcement, Jim had a strong, entrepreneurial spirit, founding and running several successful side companies, including Flint Electronics, Video Lab, and Digital Image. He his love for technology and photography was evident in the passion he brought to his work.  In his retirement, Jim took up hiking, exploring the Arizona mountains with the same vigor. 

Jim was not only a protector in his career, but also in his personal life he was a strong athletic man who believed in safeguarding those he loved.   He was a natural storyteller, gifted with the ability to bring humor and joy to any conversation. His laughter, strength and presence will be deeply missed. Jim was born to Lillie Mae & Ermyn Hamilton. He was one of six children – William, Martha, Peggy, Joyce and Robert, and his bond with his family was one of the cornerstones of his life. His love for his family and his devotion to their happiness was unwavering, and he leaves behind a legacy of love protection and laughter. Rest in peace, Jim you will be deeply missed, but your love strength and stories will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.