CDR James Don Hammontree, USN Retired, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Don and Rae (nee Chilton) Hammontree. Jim Hammontree, a son, brother, husband, father, “Big Gramps”, friend, photographer, music lover, and motorcycle enthusiast passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 83.
Jim grew up in Miami, Florida, where his early childhood was overshadowed by his polio diagnosis at 4 years old. Jim enlisted his senior year at Miami Senior High School in the United States Navy and started his 36-year active duty career immediately after graduation, proudly serving on board the USS Snowden, USS Howard D. Crow, USS Long Beach, USS Preble, USS Conolly, USS Lewis B. Puller, and USS Hewitt. Throughout his service, he was stationed at various duty locations including Great Lakes, Illinois; Florida; Texas; Georgia; California; Hawaii; Virginia; Puerto Rico; and New Mexico. Jim enlisted as a Seaman in 1958 and retired as a Commander in 1994, earning him the distinction of being a “Mustang”. Jim was awarded several commendations and ribbons, though these do not fully capture the spirit and dedication of his naval career, which will be fondly remembered through the stories of his adventures on sea (and land) shared by friends, shipmates, and family.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, W. Gale Hammontree (nee McNamara) who also served as his caregiver during his final years living with dementia; his daughter, Diana Hammontree Smith (Douglas); his son, William James Hammontree (Keiko); and his granddaughters, Katharine Rae Smith and Susan Douglas Smith (Blair McNeal). He is also survived by his sisters, Lynne Hodges and Joyce Oakley, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Riverside Hospital, Riverside Palliative Care, Riverside Hospice Care, Weymouth Funeral Home, and especially the care team at Hospice House of Williamsburg for their compassionate care.
Jim’s cremains will be buried at sea by the US Navy.
In remembrance, please consider donating to Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
