James Andrew Hamilton, 60, of Crossett, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023. He was born on March 10, 1963, to his parents, Herman Lynn Hamilton, Jr. and Patricia Alice Walsh Hamilton. He was a 1981 honor graduate of Hamburg High School and a faithful member of Level Ground Fellowship, where he served as both a board member and pin cushion for the pastor.
James earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1985 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. In 1989, he received a Juris Doctorate Degree with honors and began practicing law with his father’s firm. James’s accomplishments include:
Eagle Scout
Member of the original Governor’s School Class of 1980
Attended the Arkansas Boys’ State in 1980
Ashley County Prosecuting Attorney from 1991-1997
Deputy City Attorney for Crossett, Arkansas, from 1993-1998
Elected City Attorney for Crossett for 23 years.
Served as the Center for Arkansas Legal Services Director from 1997-2007.
Member of the Arkansas Law Review
Member of the Arkansas Bar Association House of Delegates from 2001-2007 and is a tenured delegate.
City Attorney for Eudora, Parkdale, Portland, and Banks, Arkansas
32nd Degree Mason
Gideon
Over the years, James accomplished many things and held numerous titles; however, he cherished none more than when he became a child of God. Redirecting his thirst for knowledge to the Bible, James read and journaled scripture daily, proudly wearing the whole armor of God for all to see.
If God used recipes, the ingredients for a James Hamilton would include intelligence, wisdom, intuition, devotion, honor, and love, along with an abundance of pure goofiness.
James was a quirky, fun-loving friend who never met a stranger, a die-hard Razorback and Hamburg Lion fan, a collector of baseballs and unique hats, and a worthy game night opponent. His mother called him a great son, and his daughters called him their protector and encourager. He was “Hoss” to his grandchildren and a devoted best friend to his beloved wife, but most importantly, he was an ambassador for God.
He is preceded in death by his father, Herman L. Hamilton, Jr.; one brother, Herman L. Hamilton, III; one infant daughter, Elizabeth Gabrielle Hamilton; and one stepson, Turner Scott Roark.
He leaves behind his wife of twelve years, Rose Christensen Roark Hamilton; and three daughters, Callie Hamilton, Jami-Lynn Hamilton, and Sherri Roark, all of Crossett, and stepdaughters, Mikayla Dianne Marquez of Moore, OK, and Jordan Leigh Roark Owen (Brickley) of Star City; along with his mother, Patricia Alice Hamilton “Patti” of Hamburg; one brother, David Pearson Hamilton (Linda) of Elkins, AR; three grandchildren, Scottie Leigh Roark, Kaiden James Becks, and Zoey carter; and two nephews, David, and Brandon Hamilton.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28th, at Level Ground Fellowship, 1552 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Pastor John Martin and Zac Coffman officiating, followed by interment at the Hamburg Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Mark Morris, Logan Morris, Brickley Owen, Paul Selby, Carl Sivils, Greg Murphy, and Brad Gill. Honorary pallbearers are Dalton Gill, Dakova Becks, Tommy Glover, Sammy Bolin, Jamie Bustion, Jim Hudson, Sumner Barnes, and Bill Spivey.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, at Level Ground Fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Level Ground Fellowship Ministries at 1552 Hwy 52 W, Crossett, AR 71635.
