John Phillip Hamilton
June 29th, 1945 - March 31st, 2024
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John's Obituary
June 29, 1945 - March 31, 2024 78 years old
John Phillip Hamilton 78, passed away on Sunday, March 31 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
He believed wholeheartedly in a new life through Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life for John takes on special
meaning since he went into the arms of his Savior on Easter Sunday.
John was the youngest son born to Grady and Ora Lee Hamilton in Detroit, Michigan. He spent his childhood
playing sports with his big brother Chuck which helped him in excelling in athletics. He graduated in 1963 from
MacKenzie High School and played football for the Stags. He also played at Western Michigan University and
was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. John graduated in 1967 with a BS degree in Physical Education and
Masters in Guidance and Counseling in 1972. He coupled his love for students with his love of sports, spending
29 years teaching and coaching football, baseball and basketball at Mattawan High School. John took special care
by even grooming the baseball field himself and was inducted into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches
Association in 1997 for his excellence in coaching baseball. It was at WMU that John met and fell in love with
Mary Jane Kingsford. John and Mary Jane were united in marriage in June of 1969. They were faithfully devoted
to one another throughout their 54 years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling, dancing, dining and most of all
each other. Together they had two children and six grandchildren. John was a family man, who was a caring and
supportive father and grandfather, special memories were made together with his zest for life and humor, he
celebrated others well by encouragement, and was a prayer warrior. He was always willing to step up for kids
who needed extra support and took many under his wing and loved them like his own. John devoted much of his
life volunteering in his church and with Christian organizations some of which are Awana, Open Hearts Ministry,
and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He went on many mission trips all over the world, devoting his time to those
who were underprivileged and hurting. He had been a deacon and elder for many years. He loved attending
Maranatha Bible Conference during the summer. He was an avid Michigan Football fan and introduced his children
and grandchildren to “The Big House” with season tickets to games. He loved attending any sporting event
especially those involving his children and grandchildren and was their biggest fan.
Surviving family include his wife, Mary Jane Hamilton. Children, Jeff (Amy) Hamilton and Jenny (Tom) Sena,
Grandchildren, Jack (Courtney) Hamilton, Elliana Hamilton, Kaleb Sena, Chloe Sena, Parker Sena, and Faith Sena.
Brother, Chuck (Sandy) Hamilton, Brother in law, Bill (Lucy) Kingsford and numerous nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to sign John's Guest Book online may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes and
Cremation Services. 269-637-0333. There will be a private family service. Memorials may be made to
Caring Circle Hospice in South Haven, Michigan.http://www.caring-circle.org
John Phillip Hamilton 78, passed away on Sunday, March 31 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
He believed wholeheartedly in a new life through Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life for John takes on special
meaning since he went into the arms of his Savior on Easter Sunday.
John was the youngest son born to Grady and Ora Lee Hamilton in Detroit, Michigan. He spent his childhood
playing sports with his big brother Chuck which helped him in excelling in athletics. He graduated in 1963 from
MacKenzie High School and played football for the Stags. He also played at Western Michigan University and
was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. John graduated in 1967 with a BS degree in Physical Education and
Masters in Guidance and Counseling in 1972. He coupled his love for students with his love of sports, spending
29 years teaching and coaching football, baseball and basketball at Mattawan High School. John took special care
by even grooming the baseball field himself and was inducted into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches
Association in 1997 for his excellence in coaching baseball. It was at WMU that John met and fell in love with
Mary Jane Kingsford. John and Mary Jane were united in marriage in June of 1969. They were faithfully devoted
to one another throughout their 54 years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling, dancing, dining and most of all
each other. Together they had two children and six grandchildren. John was a family man, who was a caring and
supportive father and grandfather, special memories were made together with his zest for life and humor, he
celebrated others well by encouragement, and was a prayer warrior. He was always willing to step up for kids
who needed extra support and took many under his wing and loved them like his own. John devoted much of his
life volunteering in his church and with Christian organizations some of which are Awana, Open Hearts Ministry,
and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He went on many mission trips all over the world, devoting his time to those
who were underprivileged and hurting. He had been a deacon and elder for many years. He loved attending
Maranatha Bible Conference during the summer. He was an avid Michigan Football fan and introduced his children
and grandchildren to “The Big House” with season tickets to games. He loved attending any sporting event
especially those involving his children and grandchildren and was their biggest fan.
Surviving family include his wife, Mary Jane Hamilton. Children, Jeff (Amy) Hamilton and Jenny (Tom) Sena,
Grandchildren, Jack (Courtney) Hamilton, Elliana Hamilton, Kaleb Sena, Chloe Sena, Parker Sena, and Faith Sena.
Brother, Chuck (Sandy) Hamilton, Brother in law, Bill (Lucy) Kingsford and numerous nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to sign John's Guest Book online may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes and
Cremation Services. 269-637-0333. There will be a private family service. Memorials may be made to
Caring Circle Hospice in South Haven, Michigan.http://www.caring-circle.org
Memorial Contributions
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