James Hamilton Jr. was born in Pensacola, Florida on September 4, 1923 to the late Rev. James Hamilton Sr. and Mrs. Annie V. Hamilton. He was educated in Pensacola public school systems. At the age of 16 he graduated from Washington High School, where he received a track scholarship and took off for California.  He returned many years later when his father became ill. After his father’s death he returned to California and enrolled in Stanford University where he received his master’s degree in Biology and taught in the California School systems for many years. He is survived by sister-n-laws Evon D. Hamilton and Yvonne Hamilton and host of nieces, nephews, and friends.