Hamilton Joseph F. "Joe" Hamilton, age 66, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 after a brief illness in Columbus, OH. Joe was born on June 12, 1950 in Newark, OH to the late Morton and Lucille (Shelly) Hamilton. Joe graduated from Kettering Fairmont West HS, and Wittenberg University with a post graduate degree from the U. of Tennessee. Joe grew up an excellent athlete and teammate, and in basketball stood out on the national level while playing at Wittenberg University. Joe continued in basketball as a coach at the collegiate, high school and middle school levels. His unique perspective to be a teammate first in a fun game, while striving to excel to one's highest level, was passed on to countless young athletes. He also found joy on the golf course sharing his passion and proficiency with others including as a staff member at Scioto CC in central Ohio and for several months a year in Naples, Florida. With Joe golf was a good walk enhanced for golfers of all skill levels. Also a man of letters, Joe entertained family and friends with countless letters -- and later emails --that displayed his ability to turn a phrase with an enduring sense of humor and wit. He is survived by his fiancÃ©, Gail Budgin; brothers, Jim (Lynn) Hamilton, Bob (Sudy) Hamilton, Paul (Debbie) Hamilton; and countless loving family and friends. A private memorial service will be held for the family. A Celebration of Life will take place at a date to be announced in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Evans Scholars Foundation c/o Scioto CC, Joe Hamilton Memorial, 2196 Riverside Dr. Columbus, OH 43221. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hamilton

Sponsored by Joe Hamilton stories.

6 Entries

Beth Ruck

September 20, 2017

I miss you now.

Maurice Moser

April 27, 2017

I was a 15 year old Sophomore at Madisonville High School when I first met Coach Joe Hamilton. My teammates and I were members of his first Head Coaching job. He was fresh from the University of Tennessee where he served as a Graduate Assistant and brought with him an enthusiasm and knowledge of the game that effected all of us.

We were in a rebuilding year, but Coach led us to a 15-15 record and we beat our arch rival Sweetwater at home in front of a packed house. Although he was only with us for one year, he helped lay the foundation for a District championship the next year, and a school record for wins my senior year. Coach also used his connections at UT to expose us to big time basketball. I'll never forget seeing Bernard King during UT's first fall practice thanks to Coach Hamilton.

But this man did so much more for that group of young men. I'll never forget one of his speeches to us when he said that he wanted us to be more than some local gas station worker after our High School careers were over. Well coach was successful. There are lawyers, school administrators, coaches,and professional business executives from that group of young men he coached in 1974-75.

Coach may have left us after only one year, but the influence that he had on many of us carries through even to this day.

Nancy Yoder

January 16, 2017

In 1970 I attended my first Wittenberg basketball game and was immediately mesmerized by a player named, Joe Hamilton. I was so impressed with his playing skills and became Joe's biggest fan. He could make shots from downtown Springfield. If the 3 point shot had been invented at that time, Joe would surely be holding the school record. Forty-seven years later, I am still attending Wittenberg games, but Joe is the favorite player that I will never forget.

David Gantz

January 4, 2017

My best friend is now with his family in Heaven. Joe was like another brother to me. I will cherish all the good times! Rest in Peace my good and faithful friend!

December 28, 2016

Hammy my very heartfelt deepest sympathy to you and the entire family.
My God be with all

Scioto Country Club Caddies

December 28, 2016

Joe will be greatly missed. He was a man of great integrity, laughter, and knowledge. He was admired both on and off the golf course. His leadership skills were demonstrated on a daily basis. Prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

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