Jay Winfield Hammond, Jr., 91, of London Mills, Illinois, died peacefully at home, Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 4:15 p.m.
Jay was born June 13, 1932 at home in St. Augustine, Illinois the son of Jay Winfield and Mary Ethel (Chambers) Hammond, Sr. Jay married Barbara Jane Ragon in 1952. He enlisted in the US Army on October 13, 1952 and was honorably discharged as a corporal on October 12, 1954. Barbara preceded Jay in death in 1988. He later married Marie Elizabeth (Claeys) Smith on May 5, 1990 in Galesburg, Illinois. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2020.
Jay is survived by three daughters, Linda Skinner of Aledo, Illinois, Robin (Paul) Bilbao of Midwest City, OK, and Dawn Hammond of Seaton, Illinois; one son, Steve (Penny) Hammond of Rock Island, Illinois; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 10 great great grandchildren. Jay is also survived by a special brother and sister-in-law, Dan (Vera) Ragon of Galesburg. Along with both wives, Jay was preceded in death by one son, Michael; 6 brothers; and 5 sisters.
Jay was a lifelong farmer and installed many irrigation systems throughout the area. He spent his last 10 years working at Fayhee Implement Dealer, retiring when he was 62. Jay was a life member of Farmington VFW and Farmington American Legion Post #140. Jay loved to work with his hands woodworking and creating different crafts. He enjoyed spending time in his yard working on his flower gardens and attracting hummingbirds. Jay also enjoyed traveling and camping and spent several winters in Texas. He also enjoyed fishing.
Cremation has been accorded. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Greenbush Cemetery, Greenbush, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
