HAMLET — James “Uncle J” Hamby, 36, of Hamlet, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at his home.
He was born on May 15, 1986, in Channelview, Texas, to James Hamby and Delia Bishop.
Shortly after graduating high school, James enlisted in the USMC. He went on to graduate Marine Corps boot camp on Dec. 3, 2005. He then attended the Marine Corps’ School of Infantry before checking into 3rd Battalion 4th Marines in 29 Palms, California, in March 2006.
He deployed twice to Al Anbar province in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was a part of numerous patrols and operations. Upon returning in 2009, he was assigned as a combat instructor for Marine Corps Officers at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.
Following his assignment at TBS, he was reassigned to the Marine Corps Information Operations Center where he became one of the first nine Marine Psychological Operations non-commissioned officers. He attended and graduated the Army Psychological Operations course in Fort Bragg, and while there met his wife, Kacie. Soon after, in October 2011, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as part of the first ever deployed Marine PSYOP unit, supporting the operations of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.
Shortly after returning from what would be his final deployment in 2012, he received an invitation to try out for the Marine Corps Body Bearers. After being accepted to the world-famous Body Bearers, he was reassigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. While there he provided military honors during funerals at Arlington National Cemetery for Marines and their immediate family members. Over the course of 18 months James participated in approximately 100 funerals.
Next, he was assigned as a platoon sergeant in Guard Company at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. During this assignment he and his Marines were responsible for the safety and security of the commandant of the Marine Corps and its highest Generals. In 2014 he was once again reassigned, this time to the Presidential Security Duty with Marine Security Company in Camp David, Maryland. Here he was responsible for 60 Marines as well as the security and safety of the president, his family, and honored guest of the Presidential Retreat.
His final assignment with the USMC was with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. James served as a squad leader, before an injury he sustained resulted in him being medically separated. He dedicated 12 years of his life to the service of the nation as a United States Marine and loved every bit of his service.
After leaving the Marine Corp, he continued his life of service with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Starting as a deputy in 2017 and quickly moving up to detective after only a year and a half. He would go on to serve the Richmond County community in this position until the end of his watch. James loved his community, enjoyed helping others, and always looked for opportunities to grow in his career. He achieved a milestone just this month when he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University.
James was a beloved Marine and sheriff’s deputy, but his highest accomplishment in life was being an exceptional Daddy to his daughters Kallie and Kendall and wonderful “Uncle J” to his nieces Hadley and Nora. His girls thought he hung the moon and all the stars in the sky. These girls had him wrapped around their fingers and knew they could get him to do anything they wanted.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Cole Auditorium with the Rev. Dwight Williams officiating with military honors and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Honors.
James is survived by his wife, Kacie Hamby; his two precious daughters, Kallie Rayne and Kendall Rylie; parents Pam “Mama” and Doug “Daddy” Cowick; brother-in-law, Landon Cowick and his wife Alyssa; his treasured nieces, Hadley and Nora Cowick; his parents James and Laura Hamby; brother, Terry Hamby and his wife Crystal along with their children Mia and Noah; sister Arielle Wilson; brothers, Brandon Hamby and Reese Hamby; Sean Hamby, Michael Hamby and his wife Sara, Dwayne Young; Diana Riley; special friends Rachel Hite and Jessica Dunn; as well as his family at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, where he was affectionately known as “Hambone,” and other law enforcement agencies. We cannot forget his beloved animals — dogs Sasha, Shirley, Blue and Katie and cat BB.
James was a true animal lover and cared deeply for his pets. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in James’ memory to the Richmond County Animal Shelter.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Hamby family.
