James "Jimmy" Louie Hammond Jr.

James Louie Hammond Jr.

Vietnam War Veteran who loved his God, his country and his Family

James "Jimmy" Louie Hammond Jr., 84, of Chattanooga, Tennessee passed away peacefully at The Chattanooga Hospice Care Center on August 1, 2024.

The son of the late James Louie and Margaret Hazel Hammond on June 4, 1940, in Durham North Carolina.

After his family moved to Chattanooga, Jimmy graduated from City High School and would then attend the University of Alabama where he received a degree in Marketing. He was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and ROTC. After graduating from college as a 2nd Lieutenant, Jimmy served his country with pride as a Captain in the US Army. He was a combat Veteran of the Vietnam War.

After leaving the military, Jimmy would go on to work for The Coca Cola Company and then later for the State of South Carolina, where he retired.

Jimmy was married to The Love of His Life, Sammye, for the past 30 years. Jimmy and Sammye were high school Sweethearts, who reconnected and got married 32 years later. Jimmy had many faithful lifetime friends. He and Sammye enjoyed spending time with their "UTube Friends", many of whom were friends since high school. Their Tuesday night covered dish meals and fellowship was a highlight of Jimmy's week.

After retirement, Jimmy went into the family business with Sammye, where they had a successful handmade children's furniture business. Jimmy enjoyed traveling to trade shows with Sammye all over the country, showcasing their furniture to many nationwide retailer's.

He was the proud owner of Mortgage Assurance, LLC. He and Sammye started this company over 27 years ago in South Carolina and Tennessee. They still currently have an office in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that his daughter Tammye operates today.

He was an avid runner, competing in 7 marathons over his lifetime including the Boston Marathon. He raced Formula 1 cars in Germany and was a huge fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

He proudly volunteered at the Community Kitchen and donated blood frequently to the Chattanooga Area Blood Bank due to his rare blood type that was always needed.

He was a Christian and knew his security was in Jesus Christ. Jimmy gave his life to Christ at the age of 70 and began studying the bible feverishly up until his death.

He cherished every minute spent with his wife Sammye and his children, son Jay Hammond (Shannon), daughter Tammye Simpson (Rick), and son Scott Collins. His grandchildren, Dr. Ryne Simpson (Hannah), and Erin Minwell (Tom), and his great grandchildren, Josie, Jack, and Sophie Minwell. They all brought great joy to his life.

Jimmy donated his body for research to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Forensic and Anthropology Department in 2006, when his grandson Ryne decided to study medicine. He was a very proud grandfather.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, August 12", 2024, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 3 PM with military honors.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jimmy's favorite Charity, Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org).

The Family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Greg May and his staff at Lookout Mountain Primary Care, who went above and beyond to care for Jimmy with so much kindness, love and support.

Also to the Doctors and Nurses at Erlanger Hospital that worked tirelessly with great compassion to treat Jimmy and care for him these last few months.

And finally to Chattanooga Hospice and particularly the doctors, nurses and staff at The Chattanooga Hospice Care Center for their exemplary care of Jimmy and our family.