Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Forest Heights Baptist Church

Maryland Veterans Cemetery - Cheltenham

James Preston Hamilton, Jr. October 20, 1930 – May 16, 2026

James Preston Hamilton, Jr., a beloved husband, father, educator, and veteran, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on October 20, 1930, in Iaeger, West Virginia, James was the son of James Preston Hamilton, Sr. and Cary Hamilton. Following the death of his mother during childbirth when he was five years old, he was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents alongside his cherished sister, Senora. The close-knit family and community of Kimball, West Virginia, helped shape the values of faith, perseverance, and service that guided his life.

A gifted athlete, James excelled in basketball, baseball, and football and served as captain of his high school football team. After graduation, he studied at Hampton Institute for a semester but left due to financial constraints. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served with the 74th Engineering Battalion during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he attended Bluefield State College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Arts and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

James dedicated much of his life to education, teaching in Virginia and later at Milton M. Somers Middle School in Charles County, Maryland. He was respected by colleagues and remembered fondly by generations of students.

In 1961, he married the love of his life, Gladys Megginson Hamilton. Together they shared more than 63 years of marriage and raised four children. Their partnership was marked by devotion, faith, sacrifice, and unwavering support through life's joys and challenges.

James enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling to both Blackstone, Virginia, and his beloved West Virginia, as well as spending time with family. He was known for his wisdom, quiet strength, generosity, and steadfast commitment to those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Hamilton whom he called “Dear”, and his sister, Senora.

During the worst of his illness, when asked how he was doing, James would humbly reply, "Not too bad," a simple phrase that reflected the resilience, optimism, and grace with which he approached life.

He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Alverta Hamilton; sons James Preston Hamilton III, John Megginson Hamilton, and Randall Oliver Hamilton; grandson James Preston Hamilton IV; his nieces, Beverly Finney, Ninette Ward, Delphine Henry, and Lisa Finney, step-grandchildren Dianna and Christopher; and former daughter-in-law Sonya Hamilton, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

His legacy of service, faith, education, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on June 30 at Forest Heights Baptist Church, 6371 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, Maryland. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland at 2:30 p.m.

James Preston Hamilton Jr.

James Preston Hamilton Jr.

James Hamilton Jr. Services

Celebration of Life

Funeral Service

Interment