James "Jim" Harley Hamilton

James Harley “Jim” Hamilton, 86, of Astoria, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 in Astoria.

He was born Aug. 2, 1925, in Astoria to Harley James Hamilton and Gladys Emma Moss Hamilton.

He attended grade schools in Altoona, Wash., and graduated from Astoria High School 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served both with the Navy and the Marines with the Medical Corps. While in the service, he was stationed in Peleliu and Okinawa where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart.

After his return from the service, he married Beverly Marie Hughes in Astoria in 1945. She survives at the family home.

In 1946, Mr. Hamilton started working for the U.S. Postal Service in Astoria, and retired as post master in 1980. After his retirement, he and his wife spent winters in Hemet, Calif. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.

He was a member of the Clatsop Post 12 American Legion and a life member of the Astoria Elks Lodge, BPOE No. 180.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Tom Hamilton of Salt Lake City; a daughter and son-in-law, Laurel and Richard Beatty of Astoria; one brother, Asher Hamilton of Portland; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Lyle Beemer of Astoria; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Dick Evans of Renton, Wash.; two nephews; and four nieces.

Public visitation will be held at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26.

A private graveside service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton.

Memorial contributions may be given to Clatsop Care Center, 646 16th St, Astoria, OR 97103 or National Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O.Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.