Memorial Trees
T
Tracey and Grant Mills
April 22, 2025
M
Marie Morosco
April 15, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
James M. Hamer, Sr.
<p>James M. Hamer, Sr., 76, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, after a long, fierce battle with cancer. Throughout his fight, he never lost his sense of humor.</p><p><br></p><p>Jim was born in Utica, NY, the son of Bernard (Ted) and Evelyn Carr Hamer. He graduated from New Hartford Central School and Utica College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He also had an Associate Degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Retail Business.</p><p><br></p><p>On May 17, 2002, he married Patricia Vogel at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, NY, a blessed union of over 22 years.</p><p><br></p><p>Jim was very civic-minded and belonged to many local organizations. He was past President and board member of the Kiwanis Club of Utica, past President and board member of the MVCC Alumni Association, founding member of the Bellamy Awards Committee, and also served on the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army and Mohawk Valley Community Action, to name a few. In June of 2023, he received the Rotary Club of Utica’s Service Above Self Award.</p><p><br></p><p>Jim’s career was in banking, having worked for Marine Midland Bank (now HSBC), The Savings Bank of Utica (now M&T Bank), Key Bank, Rome Savings Bank (now Berkshire Bank), Adirondack Bank, and Pathfinder Bank.</p><p><br></p><p>Jim and Pat loved to travel, having visited many places. Despite not liking to fly, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa/St. Pete and Las Vegas were destinations enjoyed, but Pat was never able to convince him to fly again. Many car trips were taken to various locations, of which Cape Cod and Newport, RI were his favorites. In later years, they enjoyed traveling on bus trips and enjoying the scenery along the way.</p><p><br></p><p>Jim is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; sons, James M. Hamer, Jr. and Joseph B. Hamer; brothers and sister-in-law, Robert and Joanne Walaszewski and their daughters, Anne and Jennifer, Richard and Malinda Vogel and their children and their families, Dennis Dougherty, Jr. (Retired USMC), Pamela Vogel and Katherina Vogel.</p><p><br></p><p>Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 23, at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. The family will receive guests following the Mass.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Jim’s name may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Utica ,(https://k00125.site.kiwanis.org/), Utica Salvation Army (https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/utica/) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (http://www.stjude.org). Envelopes will be available at the Mass.</p><p><br></p><p>The family would like to thank family and many friends for their support and prayers.</p><p><br></p><p>Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica.</p><p><br></p><p>Messages of sympathy at mmknfd.com.</p><p><br></p>October 12, 1948 - April 14, 202510/12/194804/14/2025
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