James A. 'Tony" Hammer

Heaven gained another angel in the loss of our loved one on Saturday, March 1, 2025. James A. "Tony" Hammer, beloved husband, dad, Papa, and Great Papa went to be with our Lord after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 18, 1943, to Tony Edward and Martha Elizabeth (Winters) Hammer in Cairo, IL. He married the love of his life Gail on January 13, 1978, and they shared 47 wonderful years together.

He leaves behind to grieve his passing his wife Gail, six children Anita (Dale), Bonnie, Jim (Tonya), Mark (Allison), and Matthew. Fifteen grandchildren Nick (Laura), Jon, Tony (Carlyn), Jessica (Sean), Emily (David), Jenna (Ethan), Liz, Gabe, Keagan, Brentley, Lilliana, Journee, Noah, Kathryn, and Samuel. Three great grandsons Anderson, Benson, and Hayden. Tony is also survived by three brothers Mike (Ellen Kay), Ed (Michelle), David (Angie) and one sister Darlene (Johnnie). His beloved Aunt Mae who he cherished and thought of like a second mom. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Tony was preceded in death by his son Steven, his parents, his grandparents, and other family members. Tony enjoyed reading (especially anything about History), watching war movies, putting models together, painting ceramics, watching and playing Tennis, going to Air Shows, telling stories to his grandkids, taking drives with his wife, and feeding his birds. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packer Fan and always joked that he bled Green and Gold. His favorite vacation was spending time in Green Bay together with his family. But his greatest joy was visiting with his family and spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Special memories from his children When Bonnie and I (Anita) were Kindergarten age, dad would help us learn our numbers and ABC' like any other Kindergarten parent but he would also cut out of the Sears Catalog all 26 NFL Teams( because that is all there was at the time) and make flashcards for us. Daddy would say, "Ok girls who are they and where are they from. The girls knew all of their football teams before kindergarten. Dad and I(Jim) used to play Tennis together when I was in High School, and we shared a deep love for motorcycles. It was his influence on me as a little child that got me interested in motorcycles and it lasted my whole life. When I was younger, he helped coach my Baseball Team and loved taking me to my Civil Air Patrol meetings. He was extremely proud of me when I decided to join the Air Force and I will miss our long talks about the military and of course we shared our love of the Green Bay Packers. (Mark), Dad and I used to love to watch Modern Marvels and How it Is Made on TV and enjoyed working on all kinds of project together. (Matt). Tony was very proud of his children, especially how they were all college graduates and were Christians and lived every day for the Lord. Tony was such a loving, caring man and his family always came first to him. He worked for 15 years at Wal-Mart as a Maintenance Man and had many wonderful friends there before he retired, but his most special memories were when he was manager of Scent Saver in Anna for 21 years, drinking coffee with his great friends Rose, Riley, Kevin, and Jerry. He also managed the Washboard Laundromat for many years. He met so many wonderful people throughout his life and he considered them all his friends. Tony was a devoted member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna for 35 years, where he served as a Deacon for 12 years, co-taught Sunday School with his wife for 9 years and enjoyed helping decorate for VBS or whatever else was asked of him. I'm sure Our Lord has received him into His loving arms and said "Well done my good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:23 Per Tony's wishes, he will be cremated and we will have a Celebration of Life at a later time.  Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes are available at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home.

We also want to extend our deepest thanks to all of the workers at Sam's Club in Marion, the couple that helped call 911, the EMS and paramedics, police officers, doctors, nurses and everyone that did everything possible for Tony at Deaconess Hospital in Marion. I would also like to say a big Thank You to our youngest son Matthew who has been my savior for the last several years, helping me take care of his dad. I do not think I could have done it without him. (Gail) God Bless you all.