James Ivan Hambelton, 76, of Gainesville, MO passed away January 22, 2024 at Shady Oaks Nursing Home in Thayer, MO. He was born October 19, 1947 in Gainesville at Dr Hoerman’s office, the youngest of seven children born to Alva Vern and Rutha Ellen (Strong) Hambelton.
James attended and graduated the 8th grade from the Luna one room schoolhouse before graduating from Gainesville High School class of 1965. After high school, James moved to Kansas City where he went to work for Western Electric. He later moved back to Gainesville in the early 1970’s and obtained his journeyman plumber’s license. He also worked as a carpenter and electrician. James enjoyed camping, fishing, floating the river, and was an avid hunter. He loved spending time in his garden every year, and also spent countless hours researching his family heritage (both on the Hambelton & Strong family). James loved the outdoors and still enjoyed walking the back woods around Ozark County until his health began to fail just this past year. James was a Christian and attended the Gainesville Church of Christ for 45+ years. He was loved and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by two daughters Dorice Isaacs and husband Mike of Ava, MO, Nancy Simpson and husband Bobby of Price Place, AR; seven grandchildren Dustin Isaacs, Shanea Adams, Dee Brotherton, Jasmine Herd, Laynie Isaacs, Marshall Simpson, Mallory Simpson; seven great grandchildren Cutter, Sophia, Clyde, Harper, Case, Fred, and Abel; two brothers Ray Hambelton of Sparta, MO and John Hambelton of Bridgeton, MO; and one sister-in-law Elma Jean Hambelton.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alva and Ruth Hambelton; brothers Owen Hambelton, Onard Hambelton and Joe Hambelton; one sister Ruby Stover; one sister-in-law Vonda Hambelton; one daughter Joyce Hambelton Smith; and one granddaughter Hope Ellen Smith.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, January 29, 2024 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. Officiating will be Halbert Smith. Visitation will be Monday morning from 11 a.m. to service time. Burial will be in the Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38501-1942. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
