James (Jim) Edward Hamerstone

James (Jim) Edward Hamerstone passed away on May 13, 2024 at the age of 81. 

Born September 14, 1942 in Phillipsburg, NJ, Jim spent his early childhood in Frenchtown, NJ and grew up in Springfield, Delaware County, PA. Jim graduated from Gettysburg College in 1964, where he studied political science and was a brother of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He went on to receive a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on Organizational Behavior.

His focus throughout his career was human resources and it began at Digital Equipment Corp. in Maynard, MA.  He also held senior human resources positions at TRW and University Hospitals of Cleveland. His career took him and his family to various locations, including Boston, Gainesville GA, and Jamestown, NY where they made lifelong friends. The family's last move was to Cleveland, where they settled in Shaker Heights and lived for nearly 40 years. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lisa (Mabbett) and was the proud and loving father of Christian (Ann Price) of Silver Spring, MD, Alexander (Carly) of Chagrin Falls, OH, and Sarah Castro (Jorge) of Washington, D.C. Affectionately  known as PopPop, he was a loving and involved grandfather to Elizabeth, James, and Jack Hamerstone, and Sebastian and Mimi Castro. 

After his retirement from University Hospitals of Cleveland, Jim taught business classes at his alma mater, where he and Lisa made a second home. While at Gettysburg, Jim published a book, “A Woman’s Framework for a Successful Career and Life.” 
 
Jim, a lifelong sports fan, maintaining a love for Philadelphia sports, readily became a season ticket holder to the Browns, Cavs and Guardians, despite the heartache it would ultimately bring him. Jim was a dedicated fan of his children’s various sports endeavors, and was known to never miss their games. Jim remained active throughout his entire life, and loved to run, bike, swim, play tennis, and participate in triathlons.

He also loved his Standard Poodle, Tony, who was his constant companion for nearly 14 years. Jim spent the last few years in Cleveland, where he enjoyed being close to his son Alex’s family.

Jim was predeceased by his father Elmer Hamerstone, his stepfather, Herbert Smith, his mother Virginia (Slack) Hamerstone Smith, his sister Jane Leonardi (William), his brother, Herbert “Herbie” Hamerstone, and his beloved Aunt Natalie Slack. He is survived by his brother, John Smith (Diane).

A private graveside service is planned in Frenchtown, New Jersey at a later date.