Curtis James "Jim" Hamilton II, 81, of Henderson, Kentucky, died on Tuesday, July 10, 2024, at the St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center.

Jim was born on December 26, 1942, in Williamson, WV.  His parents were Curtis J. "Ben" Hamilton and Gladys Elaine Evans Hamilton.  After graduating from Williamson High School, he attended Marshall University in Huntington, WV.  While a student at Marshall, Jim met the love of his life on a blind date – Mary Margaret "Peg" Busby.  He soon graduated and married Peg, who was his best friend and constant companion.  They enjoyed 59 years of marriage together.

Jim and Peg began their adult lives in Huntington and enjoyed the companionship of many, many friends.  He worked at Houdaille Industries buying steel for the bumper manufacturers.  In 1981, he was transferred by the company to its Northern Illinois facility, and the family lived in Sterling.  In 1984, Jim was hired as the Purchasing Manager at Firestone Steel Products, now Accuride, and stayed with the company in Henderson for 25 years until retirement.

Jim was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Marshall and was elected to leadership roles while in college and in the PKA alumni association.  He was an Admiral in the Cherry River Navy of West Virginia and was a Kentucky Colonel.  He loved camping, boating, golf, playing basketball and swimming, and traveling far and wide with Peg and their lifelong friends in retirement.  Jim loved watching sports as well, especially the Thundering Herd and the UK Wildcats.  He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, and coached, attended or watched online their games, events, matches and meets.

Jim and Peg are the parents of 3 children – son, Curtis J. Hamilton III ("Curt") and daughters, Carrie E. Young and Erin E. Hahn.  Curt and his wife, Emily, live in Henderson.  Carrie and her husband, Jeff, live in Alexandria, KY.  Erin lives in Erie, Colorado.  Jim also leaves behind 8 grandchildren – Victoria C. Smit and her husband, Tyler, Curtis J. Hamilton IV (CJ), and Benjamin T. Hamilton and his wife, Riley, all who live in Henderson.  Caroline E. Jones and her husband, Peyton, live in Memphis, TN.  Anna E. Young and Addyson J. Young reside with their parents in Alexandria, KY, and Andrew P. Hahn and Patrick J. Hahn live with their parents in Erie, Co.  Jim loved and was so proud of them all.  He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Sloan C. Smit and Charlotte J. Hamilton, who live with their parents in Henderson.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Hamilton, and sister, Patricia Spaulding. He is survived by nieces and nephews, Susan Hamilton, Tommy Hamilton, Linda Parker, Karen Epley, Kathy Spaulding, Scott Busby and Patrick Busby.  Jim gathered many, many friends who will all mourn his loss as well.  He will also be missed by Molly, his beloved canine companion.

Arrangements are being handled by Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home and will consist of a small private memorial service.

Expressions of sympathy can take the form of contributions to St. Anthony's Hospice or the American Cancer Society in his memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.