James Earl Hamilton

James Earl Hamilton, 69, of Curtice, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 3, 2014. Jim was a devoted husband and father, and dedicated friend to many. Jim was born to Earl and Juanita Hamilton in Hamilton, Ohio on July 20, 1944. Jim attended Miami University of Ohio where he was in the ROTC program. Upon his graduation with a degree in Chemistry, he was drafted into the Army. He served six years in the states, a portion of which was in the Army Reserves. Jim worked all of his life beginning with a paper route as a young boy. After his military service he went to work at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was involved in the development of ERA detergent and designed the original pump that delivered the exact amount of detergent needed. It was patented by P & G as the Hamilton Pump. Jim also worked at at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in hematology and it was there that he met his best friend and soul mate, Christine Leppert, while she was on Pediatric rotation in the nursing school. They married on December 1, 1973 and recently celebrated 40 yers of marriage. They moved to Curtice, Ohio in 1977 where he co-operated the Cornerstone Inn in Curtice. Jim began working at Fondessey Enterprises as a laboratory technician in 1978. He worked his way up in the organization and became the director of Emergency Response Teams for Chemical Spills. His rise continued and he became President of Envirosafe Services where he was in charge of over 100 employees. Jim was instrumental in permitting the first RCRA hazardous waste site in Ohio. During his tenure, the facility never received a hazardous waste environmental violation. He was responsible for the start-up of numerous companies in Northwest Ohio, enriching the community and protecting the environment. Jim also worked with the area universities, employing college interns and designing and implementing new and more effective environmental technologies. Jim went to work with Mannik and Smith in 1996. He served as Vice President and Geo-environmental Group Manager. Jim was always known for his excellent relationships and interactions with clients. He retired from the group in April 2013. Jim volunteered his time for 2 terms on the Ohio Brownfield Voluntary Action board and the Toledo Environmental Industrial Disposal committee. He was a civic leader as a member of the Genoa School Board and Finance committee at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Williston. Above all of his accomplishments, Jim was a fair man with integrity and honesty. He lived by his word and a handshake. One thing Jim enjoyed besides his family and his sons events and sports, which he never missed, was his Corvettes. He owned and drove 7 different models of them dating from 1962 – 1992. He even courted Chris in his 1966 Corvette. Jim is survived by his loving wife and friend of 40 years, Christine. They have three sons, Matthew, Adam (Colleen) and Zachary and became proud grandparents of granddaughter Reagan. He is also survived by a sister, Betty (Bill) Peck and multiple nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 P.M.-8 P.M. on Wednesday January 8, 2014 in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home 222 E. S. Boundary St. Perrysburg (419-874-3133). The family will receive guests from 10:00 A.M. Thursday January 9, 2014 followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. at Zoar Lutheran Church 314 E. Indiana Ave. Perrysburg, Ohio, with Pastor Timothy Philabaum, officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio, The Victory Center, or charity of the donor’s choice. .