James H. Hamilton Jr. (Jim), loving husband, father, grandfather and community leader, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday May 31, 2017 at home with his family by his side.

He is survived by his children, Scott Hamilton, Paige Kerr, Holly Wells, daughter-in-law, Cindy Hamilton, son-in-law, Mike Wells and grandchildren, Cecilia and Hamilton.

Born and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, Hamilton went on to graduate from the University of Georgia with an A.B.J. and later the AMP program at Harvard Business School.   Joining the C & S National Bank in 1952, Hamilton held various positions in Atlanta ranging from branch manager to officer in charge of the residential real estate department. He went on to rise to the roles of President of the C & S Banks of Richmond County, West Georgia (LaGrange), and Augusta.

He was extremely active in civic and economic affairs in Augusta and LaGrange, serving as an active founder and member of the LaGrange Industrial Development Authority with its inception in 1974. He has been credited with much of the vision for that organization, which went on to attract over 25 new manufacturing plants to LaGrange and create over 3000 new jobs by 1980 and continues to contribute new business and jobs to the diverse economic foundation for the region.

Hamilton was an avid skier, sailor, golfer and tennis player as well as a pianist for many years.  For much of his adult life, he and his wife, the former Bobby Goen (until her passing in 2015), traveled the world to places such as London, Hong Kong, Paris, Greece and multiple cross-country trips to California.

Hamilton was quick to make lifelong friends from all walks of life and impact everyone with his constant optimism and quick wit. He was a passionate, lifelong learner, using the latest technology to continue to explore the world, new innovations and listen to his favorite composers.

Services for Hamilton will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 2pm at the LaGrange First United Methodist Church, 401 Broad St., LaGrange, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the West Georgia Hospice, 1510 Vernon Road, LaGrange, Georgia 30240.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.higginsfuneralhomes.com.