Orville Jay Hamilton, Jr.

Orville Jay Hamilton, Jr., 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 30, 2024. Jay was born on April 27, 1942, in Paw Paw, Mich., to Orville Jay, Sr. and Katherine (Gaborik) Hamilton. He grew up in Benton Harbor, Mich. with his two brothers and four sisters. Jay graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1960. That same year he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. In the Navy he served on the USS Saratoga as a Boiler Operator, Second Class Petty Officer. Jay served in the United States Navy until 1966. Jay received an Associate's Degree in Refrigeration in 1992 from the University of Oklahoma. He spent most of his career as a Supervisor, at Autos Specialties, Riverside Division in Benton Harbor, Mich. Jay also worked in Refrigeration Management for many years. Just before his retirement, Jay worked in Maintenance at Lakeview Hospital, in Paw Paw, Mich. Throughout his entire working career, he remained an active farmer.

Jay married the love of his life, Mari Benson on Nov. 27, 1965, and they remained loyal and devoted to each other as they celebrated their 59th year of marriage recently. Jay came to faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a child. First Baptist Church in Decatur was Jay’s church where he spent countless loving hours serving the Lord as a deacon, mentor, chef, fundraiser, handyman, musician and friend.

Jay was a friend to all and was always the first to offer help to anyone in need and was the ultimate caregiver. Always putting others needs as a priority in his life.

His ultimate joy was spending time with his family. Jay was an avid sportsman. He spent countless hours hunting deer, bear and all small game, with multi generations of his family throughout his life. Fishing was also a sport that Jay enjoyed, especially with his friend and cousin, Larry Burlingham. Jay also loved to travel with his wife Mari. One of his biggest thrills was when he went to Alaska with his wife Mari, son and daughter-in-law, Orville Jay, III and Pam, to visit his grandson, Orville Jay, IV. Together, Jay and Mari enjoyed several cruises. Traveling by car to many, many beautiful locations. Jay was integral and active in the preservation and restoration of the Historic Hamilton Grange Hall. Jay was devoted to the fundraising efforts to preserve the hall. He spent many, many hours coordinating the Historic Hamilton Grange Hall yearly dances.

Jay is survived by his devoted, beautiful, loving wife, Mari; his beautiful life will forever be cherished through his devoted children: Orville Jay, III & Pam Hamilton, Kristin & David Glynn, Charles & Rosie Hamilton; grandchildren: Kayla & Andrew Boyko, Orville Jay, IV and Madelyn Hamilton, Lauren Glynn & Dustin Kolberg, Austin Glynn, Krystina, Kara and Carley Hamilton; great-grandchildren: Audra, Isla, Ella Boyko, Orville Jay, V, Callum and Maelynn Hamilton, Kaden Hamilton and Asher Kelly; brothers, Fred (Janelle) Hamilton, David Hamilton; sisters: Joyce Damico, Kathy (Bob) Wriska, Karen (Doug) Nauth, Janice (Doug) Hanson; brother-in-law, Hollis Benson. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Orville Jay, Sr and Katherine (Gaborik) Hamilton; his beloved and cherished grandparents, Fred and Marie (McWilliams, Hamilton) Rowe, Martin and Magdalena (Leitheim) Gaborik; and his good friend, Ed Russell.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at VFW Post 6248, 560 North Phelps St, Decatur, MI 49045 with a visitation that will begin at the VFW in Decatur one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Following the service, everyone is invited to join the family for food, fellowship and a time of remembrance at Decatur VFW until 6:00 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Decatur, P.O. BOX 11, Decatur, MI 49045. Those wishing to leave a condolence or sign the online guestbook may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.