Obituary of Thomas C. Hamm

Thomas "Tom" Hamm, 69, died March 5, 2013, in St. Maries. He was born March 25, 1943, in Helena, Mont., to Joseph and Delome Hamm. Tom grew up in Helena and served in the Army for four years during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He married his high school sweetheart Jean Griffith on June 3, 1961, in Helena where they lived until 1971 caring for more than 100 foster children and raising their own children. Tom worked at the Credit Bureaus in Helena, Twin Falls and in Polson, Mont. He spent many years in Montana, Washington and Idaho selling radio and print advertising, as well as having his own sewing machine repair business. In 1987 he moved to Spokane and in 1988 moved to Hayden. He and his wife Jean moved to St. Maries in 2012. Tom enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, photography, a good joke, cooking Prime Rib for his family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Kiwanis International, serving as Lieutenant Governor for Montana. He was also instrumental in starting Montana's Child Abuse Hotline. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jean; his daughter, Melissa (Byron) Alcorn of Fort Collins, Colo.; son Chris (Grace) Hamm of Hayden; daughter Dianna (Sam) Badgett of Saint Maries; his grandchildren, Nathan and Brandan Alcorn and Sami Jo and Jared Badgett. He is also survived by his sister, Rosalie (Larry) Hillebrecht and sister Joellen Barbagello; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Delome Hamm; and one niece, Michelle Hillebrecht. A gathering of family and friends is planned for this summer in Idaho. Condolences can be sent to Jean Hamm and family at P.O. Box 604, St. Maries, ID 83861. Read Thomas Hamm's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.