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James S. Hamilton, 67

James “Jim” Samuel Hamilton, beloved husband of Rachel née Frey, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 17, 2019, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; he was 67. Born on Dec. 1, 1951, in Trenton, N.J., Jim was the eldest of his loving parents, Jim Hamilton and Annie née Bainbridge, both who preceded him in death. Jim was a graduate of Ewing High School where he played basketball, soccer and the violin. The Hamilton family spent endless summers at the Jersey Shore, where Jim enjoyed days of fishing, surfing, beach volleyball and sailing.

Jim was as passionate about his work at public television’s New Jersey Network (NJN) as his playtime on the Jersey Shore. Jim’s talent behind the lens earned him overseas assignments in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Amsterdam, Japan, Korea and Mexico. The always-affable Jim was equally known around the Statehouse in Trenton, where he covered news conferences, legislative sessions and breaking news. Upon Jim’s retirement from NJN in September of 2007, the couple relocated to North Idaho, continuing their pursuit of “on-the-road trips” to nearly 40 states. Jim briefly freelanced for KXLY in Spokane, Wash., covering news and the environment.

Jim is survived by Rachel, his wife of more than 20 years; his stepson, Nicholas and daughter-in-law, Gina Greeson and step-grandson, Robert John (RJ); stepson, Nathan Greeson; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Tisha Hamilton; and sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Roger Zahn. He is also survived by his nephews, Jeremy Zahn and Will Hamilton and niece, Chrissy Zahn.

Private celebrations of Jim’s life will be held on the Jersey Shore and locally. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.