James Dean Hamar

Pastor James Dean Hamar of Astoria, Oregon, was called home unexpectedly to his Lord and savior on Feb. 19, 2018. Jim was born in Longview, Washington, to Fred “Dean” Hamar and Florence (Weller) Hamar. He grew up in Rainier, Oregon, and attended Rainier Assembly of God with his family.

Jim’s love for music began at a very young age. Jim was part of the Hamar family singing group, touring the U.S. in the 1970s. He attended Rainier High School, participated in sports and choir, and graduated in 1975. Jim went to Lower Columbia Community College, as well as Berean Bible School.

Jim worked at Longbell Inc., and owned and operated Hamar Heating and Air Conditioning. In 1989, he established Jim Hamar and Victory Praise Evangelist Ministries. Jim pastored in Lyons, Oregon, at Santiam Chapel from 1989 until 1994. He moved to the Astoria area in 1995 and began pastoring Astoria First Assembly of God, and lovingly continued until his death.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Linda Hamar; son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Cody Hamar, and granddaughter, Ava, of Kirkland, Washington; son and daughter-in-law, Kirk and Claire Hamar, of Redding, California; son and daughter-in-law, Kory and Katherine Hamar; and son and daughter-in-law, Kraig and Ashley Hamar, and granddaughters, Lexi, Ember and Evangeline, and daughter, Jamie Hamar, all of Astoria.

Also surviving are sister and brother-in-law, Rev. Waldon and Charleen Ratkie; sister, Debra Hamar; sister and brother-in-law, Rev. Terrance and Susan Luttrell; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Cynthia Hamar; sister-in-law, Gail Freeman; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Florence Hamar.

There will be a memorial homecoming service for Pastor Jim at Astoria First Assembly of God on March 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. The music he recorded and produced will be available for a donation at the service. If you have photos or notes you would like included in the service, please send them to hamarpictures18©gmail.com before March 8.

If you would like to send condolences to the family, please send them to Astoria First Assembly of God. If possible, RSVP to 503-325-7331 by March 10.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Astoria First Assembly of God, which Jim loved with all of his heart.