Hamilton "Ham" C. Jones

Hamilton “Ham” C. Jones, age 97, of Sarasota, FL passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family at his side on November 21, 2023. Ham loved his family fiercely and he will be missed dearly by each of them. He was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and was a practical joker. He had a generous heart of gold and was always willing to help others. Ham was born on March 17, 1926, in Greenville, SC. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1943. He was a veteran of WWII and was discharged as a Lieutenant Junior Grade from the U.S. Navy Amphibious Corp. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with honors majoring in mathematics and economics and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Upon graduation, he became a Marketing Representative for the Aetna Casualty Insurance Company later joining the Ludwig Walpole Company, a local insurance company in Sarasota, Florida where he worked for 53 years, eventually serving as President. During his dedicated years in the insurance industry, he also served as the President of the Sarasota Insurance Association. He retired from the insurance industry at age 80 when he began volunteering at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Mote Marine. Ham was a friend-gatherer and participated actively in a variety of organizations in his community. He was a founding member and past President of the Gulf Coast Kiwanis Club, President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Vice President of the Senior Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Monthly Coffee Club of the Senior Chamber, was the first male PTA President of Southside Elementary and served on the board at the Field Club. He was also a founding member of the Forest Lakes Country Club, and was a member of the Sarasota Yacht, University Club, and Sarabay Country Club. Ham was also active in his church where he taught Sunday School and served on the Vestry at the Church of the Redeemer. Ham is survived by his daughter, Candi McClure, his granddaughters, Christen (Ryan) Causey, Lauren (Kreigh) Walton Sloggett, and Amanda McClure, his son-in-law, Larry (Brenda) Walton, his great-grandchildren, Emma Catherine Causey, Bailey Causey, James Sloggett, and Jaxson Sloggett, and beloved friend, Frank Ridgway. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth R. Jones, and his daughter, Cathy Walton. Visitation will be held at Toale Brothers Funeral Home (40 N Orange Ave. Sarasota) on Sunday, December 3rd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of the Redeemer (222 S Palm Ave. Sarasota) on Monday, December 4th at 2:00 pm. A private burial will be held for immediate family members. The family would like to thank Chris Hall and all the amazing caregivers who so lovingly and thoughtfully cared for Ham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. After losing his wife and daughter to cancer, this organization was near and dear to his heart.

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Hamilton "Ham" C. Jones

March 17, 1926 - November 21, 2023