James T. Hamby, 89, of Hanover, Ohio died Monday afternoon February 15, 2016 at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio.
Born September 19, 1926 in Black Run, Ohio he was a son of the late Charles E. and Vorda M. (Taylor) Hamby and was a 1944 graduate of Frazeysburg High School. Mr. Hamby proudly served our country as a member of the U. S. Navy, first during World War II from 1944 to 1946 and again during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952. Jim worked for over 40 years as an accountant and office manager for Clark Auto Sales and then began a 15 year career as a school bus driver with Licking Valley Schools transporting special-needs and pre-school children. He was very active in the Hanover community as a member of the Hanover United Methodist Church; a charter member of the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department; a Scout Master for Hanover Boy Scouts Troop for 10 years; a member of the Village Council and Clerk of the Board of Public Affairs for many years.
Jim was also known throughout the state for his Masonic activities, some of which, but not all, are as follows: member and Past Master of New Home Lodge #338, as well as serving as Chaplain, Lodge Education Officer and Secretary for many years; a member and officer of the 19th Masonic District Association; was appointed and served three years as District Deputy Grand Master of 19th District; member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Cambridge; Warren Chapter #6, Royal Arch Masons; Bigelow Council #7, Royal & Select Masters; St. Luke's Commandery #34 Knights Templar; Knighted York Cross of Honor, Ohio Priory #18 and Knighted in Kilwinning Council #62 Knight Masons, Irish Dispensation and the Red Cross of Constantine. Jim served most all the organizations as their secretary and recorder for many years. He was also a member of Hanover Chapter #220, Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron and Chaplain. He was currently a member of Newark Chapter #305, OES.
Surviving is his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Ellora Jane (Flowers) Hamby whom he married June 26, 1949; two brothers, Herbert Hamby of Dresden, Ohio and Robert Hamby of Los Angeles, California; a sister, Margaret Ward of Springfield, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl and Marvin Hamby and three sisters, Jeanne Price, Jewell Kilworth and Beatrice Rowe.
Calling hours will be for 2pm to 6pm Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Frazeysburg Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 110 West Third Street. Eastern Star services will be conducted at 6pm Friday by Newark Chapter #305, OES. Following the Eastern Star services, New Home Lodge #338 will conduct Masonic services at 6:30pm Friday.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the funeral home with Rev. Walter Bruah, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Hanover Cemetery with the Licking County Veteran Alliance conducting military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Home Lodge #338, Care of: Charles McNaught, Secretary, 8115 Vickers Hill Drive, Nashport, Ohio 43830.