In Memory Of
James Howard Hamel
1935
2020
James Howard Hamel
July 8, 1935 — July 30, 2020
James H. "Jim" Hamel, age 85, a longtime resident of Toledo, passed away Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at Ebeid Hospice Residence. He was born July 8th, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan to Aurel and Mary (Mullen) Hamel.
After high school Jim joined the military and served his country proudly from 1952-1956 in the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, Jim and his wife Barbara moved from Detroit to Toledo where they happily raised their 5 children in the family homestead lovingly referred to as "the red house on Alexis".
Jim was employed with the Ottawa Hills Board of Education as the Director of Maintenance for many years, retiring in 2000. He also worked at various car dealerships in auto sales. Many of Jim's hobbies included anything that went fast, whether it flew in the sky, roared down the road or raced on a track, Jim loved the experience.
He was a member of the Glass City Corvette Club and enjoyed sharing the excitement of owning and showing his classic red Corvette Convertible to the other members and other classic car enthusiasts at many car shows throughout the area. Another favorite pastime was watching any kind of auto racing, especially NASCAR with his wife Barbara.
Jim was known to be an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers (yes even in the challenging years) and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He was also a past Commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
While Jim enjoyed many hobbies and interests, what was most important to him was his family, Jim cherished the time spent together laughing, loving and creating memories. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather
Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Petrosky) in 2019. Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, Laurie (Mark) Berndt, Greg (Barb) Hamel, James (Carol) Hamel, Steve (Heidi) Hamel and Julie Hartford; precious grandchildren, Mark, Michael and Matthew Berndt; Alex Kruzel and Grant Hamel; Jenna Lilak, Lucas, Logan and Madeleine Hamel; Jack Hamel; Jordan, Hanna and Jacob Hartford and 11 (almost 12) great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Phil (Joan) Hamel and sister, Charlotte (Dan) Johns.
Jim's Family would like to thank the Staffs of Ebeid Hospice and Promedica Home Care for the kindness and support they provided for Jim and our Family.
There will be a Private Family Gathering with Military Honors before burial at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a Memorial Contribution in Jim's memory are asked to consider Ebeid Hospice or a Charity of the Donor's Choice
To leave a special message for the Hamel Family, press the "Share memories" button above.
After high school Jim joined the military and served his country proudly from 1952-1956 in the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, Jim and his wife Barbara moved from Detroit to Toledo where they happily raised their 5 children in the family homestead lovingly referred to as "the red house on Alexis".
Jim was employed with the Ottawa Hills Board of Education as the Director of Maintenance for many years, retiring in 2000. He also worked at various car dealerships in auto sales. Many of Jim's hobbies included anything that went fast, whether it flew in the sky, roared down the road or raced on a track, Jim loved the experience.
He was a member of the Glass City Corvette Club and enjoyed sharing the excitement of owning and showing his classic red Corvette Convertible to the other members and other classic car enthusiasts at many car shows throughout the area. Another favorite pastime was watching any kind of auto racing, especially NASCAR with his wife Barbara.
Jim was known to be an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers (yes even in the challenging years) and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He was also a past Commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
While Jim enjoyed many hobbies and interests, what was most important to him was his family, Jim cherished the time spent together laughing, loving and creating memories. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather
Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Petrosky) in 2019. Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, Laurie (Mark) Berndt, Greg (Barb) Hamel, James (Carol) Hamel, Steve (Heidi) Hamel and Julie Hartford; precious grandchildren, Mark, Michael and Matthew Berndt; Alex Kruzel and Grant Hamel; Jenna Lilak, Lucas, Logan and Madeleine Hamel; Jack Hamel; Jordan, Hanna and Jacob Hartford and 11 (almost 12) great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Phil (Joan) Hamel and sister, Charlotte (Dan) Johns.
Jim's Family would like to thank the Staffs of Ebeid Hospice and Promedica Home Care for the kindness and support they provided for Jim and our Family.
There will be a Private Family Gathering with Military Honors before burial at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a Memorial Contribution in Jim's memory are asked to consider Ebeid Hospice or a Charity of the Donor's Choice
To leave a special message for the Hamel Family, press the "Share memories" button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Howard Hamel, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Guestbook
Visits: 9
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors