Chattanooga Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Local Figure John Jeffrey Hamn, Sr.

Chattanooga Bids Farewell to a Beloved Community Member: John Jeffrey Hamn, Sr.

Chattanooga was filled with a mix of joy and sorrow on Monday, October 28, 2024, as the news broke that John Jeffrey Hamn, Sr., affectionately known as Jeff, peacefully passed away at the age of 82 due to complications related to prostate issues. His gentle spirit and warm heart touched many lives, making him a cherished figure in our community.

A Life Rich with Love and Adventure

Jeff was born on January 30, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, as the first child of John Bostick Hamn and Therese Grote Gross. Surrounded by a loving family, he had a wonderful upbringing filled with cherished memories. His Aunt Ollie provided him with loving encouragement for his adventurous side, allowing him to hunt birds on her country property. This early experience kindled his lifelong passion for wingshooting and the outdoors.

Education was a significant part of Jeff’s life. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, he pursued higher education at Troy State University and the University of Alabama at Huntsville, where he excelled in earning degrees in both Science and Engineering.

A Family Man at Heart

In 1966, Jeff married his sweetheart, Brenda Elizabeth Law, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. As he balanced a career in the aerospace industry, served in the Army National Guard, and enjoyed his time at the skeet club, they settled in Chattanooga to raise their three beloved children. In 1975, along with his dear friend Ken Hall, he co-founded Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, a family-owned business that has become a leader in the hunting and shooting industry for over 48 years.

Later in life, Jeff pioneered the creation of Oak Woods, a picturesque family farm where he cherished countless hours with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He found happiness in simple moments, from duck hunting on crisp Saturday mornings to enjoying breathtaking sunsets on warm summer evenings.

A Legacy of Caregiving and Kindness

What truly set Jeff apart, however, was his incredible capacity for love and care. A devoted husband for 55 years, he provided constant support for Brenda, who battled early-onset Parkinson’s Disease in her final years. His dedication as a caregiver exemplified his loving nature, and he routinely showered those around him with warmth and humor. Ever ready with a joke or an uplifting story, Jeff spread joy and laughter unless, of course, it was game day for his beloved Alabama football team. His passion for the sport was infectious as he passionately cheered and reacted to every play.

A Active Community Member

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jeff actively served his congregation at the Brainerd Ward in various capacities, showcasing his love for people through generosity and kindness. His unwavering spirit left an imprint on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Remembering Jeff

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Muriel DeLorise Williams, his sister Susan Tina, and his wife Brenda. He is survived by his sons John Jeffrey Hamn, Jr. and Charles Thomas Hamn (Helene), his daughter Therese Elizabeth Hamn Parker, and a host of grandchildren and siblings, all of whom will carry his memory forward.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Signal Mountain Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family encourages donations to Ducks Unlimited or the Parkinson’s Foundation, continuing his legacy of compassion and care for both the land and others.

As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.