Meadville, PA - James A. Hammond, 82, of Meadville passed away at home on August 26, 2025. Jim was born at home in Rockdale Township on September 13, 1942, the son of the late Robert and Ella Hutson Hammond. On June 5, 1965, he married Linda Davis, and together they celebrated sixty years of marriage built on an eternal love for one another.

Jim spent the majority of his life employed in construction as a heavy equipment operator. After retirement, he worked logging timber with his brother-in-law and best friend, Chuck Davis, and this was one of his favorite places to be. In his younger years, he enjoyed trapping and has had a love of hunting and fishing his entire life. He was a man of many talents, building his own home and operating his small woodworking business. More than anything he loved his wife, children and family and was the proudest "Papa" to his grandchildren, celebrating their achievements and adventures.

He was preceded in death by his grandson James "Jimmy" Hammond with whom he shared a special bond, brother Raymond Hammond, sister Ruth Johnson, and special sister Ethel Hammond.

Survivors include his wife Linda Hammond of Meadville, daughter Sheila Grinnell and her husband Ned of Saegertown, daughter Laura Lantier and her husband Tom of Long Island, NY, and son Chad Hammond and his wife Deb of Meadville. He was a loving grandpa to Branden (Mary) Tyler, Emma Stine, Adam Stine and James, (Jimmy) Hammond. He was also the proud great-grandpa to Mikayla, Piper and Westen James. Additional survivors include brother Charles Hammond of Palm Harbor, FL, sister Betty Palmer and her husband Dick of Elgin, PA, sister Linda McCommons and her husband Paul of Erie, and many nieces, nephews, and many dedicated friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks and love to Audra, Christine, Joy, Kirsten, Malinda, Megan, Rick and Yetta of Hospice of Crawford County.

Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home, Cambridge Springs on Thursday, August 28, from 6-8 pm and are invited to a funeral service to be held there on Friday morning at 11 am. Interment will follow at Rundell Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Crawford County. To send condolences, please visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.