James Arthur Hammer

James Arthur Hammer, born Sept. 27, 1923, in New Rockford, N.D., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, while living at the Columbia Falls Veterans' Home with the many tender hands of those who cared for him.

He came to call it "home" and loved the beauty of the mountains, tall trees and green meadows as he walked the grounds. His sense of humor was accepted by everyone and he truly felt loved by the caring staff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, G. Peter and Rose Mary; brothers, Joseph, George, Thomas, Leslie and Peter; sisters, Evelyn Veen, Doris Jakylovich and Rose Newman as well as three siblings who died in infancy, Marian, Walter and Charles.

Survivors are his brother, Edward and wife Sandra of Nashville, Tenn. ; sisters, Alice Veen of Norfolk, Va., Mabel Walsh of Bothell, Wash., Helen Allen of Kalispell, Mont., and Marjorie Arnold of St. Petersburg, Fla. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and special extended family. We will miss his tender heart and sense of humor.

His military career included the Army 1943-1947 and the Navy 1950-1966 which led him to serve in the African Middle Eastern Theatre as well as France, Italy, Antarctica and abroad the USS General Anderson, USS Karin (Antarctica — Operation Deep Freeze), USS Atka and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. His favorite duty was time at Little America, the winter of 1958. His many honors included the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, three Good Conduct Medals, Antarctica Service Medal "Wintering Over Clasp, " American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal World War II, Silver Battle Star, and four Overseas Service Bars. Over the years he enjoyed home ports at Seattle, Davisville, R.I., Perth Amboy, N.J., Mayport, Fla., and Bainbridge, Md. The Navy, with his storekeeper's duties was a good fit for him. He received commendations on the pride he took in his work and how he represented the Navy

He was a life honorary member Knights of Columbus and an American Legion member. He took pride in having his covered wagon and team being part of the trail ride in 1989 celebrating the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive.

After leaving the Navy he spent four years farming near Sioux Falls, S.D., with his brother, Leslie, and was employed as a prison guard during those years. In 1969 he came to live in Havre, Mont., where he purchased a small farm near the Canadian border, where he enjoyed the animals he raised, especially his horses. During his years in Havre he worked at Petrolane Gas Co., Hansen Sheet Metal, Richard Larson's farm periodically and held many other jobs as he became a "jack of all trades. " He loved his independence and helping others brought joy into his life.

Private graveside services will be held in New Rockford, N.D. next summer, per his request. He will be laid to rest next to his brother, Leslie, and his parents, G. Peter, Rose, and other siblings, Marion and Walter.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jim's family. You are invited to go to http: //www. jgfuneralhome. com to offer condolences and view Jim's tribute wall.