James R. Hamel, age 99 of Massillon, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
He was born April 20, 1923, in Massillon the son of the late Sebastian and Hilda (Bessler) Hamel.
Jim was a veteran of WWII serving as a senior radio operator with the Army in China.
Jim was owner, President and manager of the former Community Store.
He was a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church where he served on parish council and was an usher.  He was a member of St. Barbara Men's Club, K of C Council #554 3rd Degree, American Legion Post # 221, and was a former volunteer for Meals on Wheels.  He served two terms as a Massillon City Councilman for Ward #6 and was a Tuscarawas Twp. Trustee.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Jane M. Egan and Joan (Ralph) Leidy; sons, James R. Hamel II and Joseph W.(Sondra)  Hamel; sister, Nancy L. Tonske; twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; and two-great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of almost 72 years, Eleanor (Hammer) Hamel who passed in Feb. 2019 and his sister, Mary Ruth Fichter.
The family would like to thank his friends, Al and Julie, and aides, Marcia and Sarah for their care and friendship.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Barbara Catholic Church with The Very Rev. Canon Matthew Mankowski, celebrant.
Visitation will be held at the church prior to the Mass from 9:30 to 10:30.
Burial with military honors will follow at St. Barbara Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Barbara Catholic Church.
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