Dr. Jerry Hamm

Dr. Jerry Hamm was 90 years old when he joined his wife Norma and other loved ones in heaven on September 6th, 2023. His far-reaching impact on his community and in the lives of those closest to him will not be forgotten.

Hamm was born February 18th, 1933, to Belva Florence Lemaster Hamm and Abner Hamm. He lived the early years of his life in Lockwood and Golden City, Missouri. Then, the family made the move to Pittsburg, Kansas. That’s where he first met the love of his life, Norma Simons, in elementary school. Hamm finished his elementary, junior and high school years in Pittsburg, where he was a Pittsburg High School Purple Dragon football player.

After graduating, Hamm worked in the grocery industry before enlisting in the Army — serving from 1954 to 1956 in Yokohama, Japan. He worked in the engineering department with Japanese civilians tracking the flow of parts and supplies.

When he returned home to Pittsburg, he pursued a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education with a specialization in counseling at Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University). Hamm was a first-generation college graduate. He drew inspiration from his older brother Lefty, who also pursued an education degree.

During college, Hamm reconnected and fell in love with Norma. They wed in August 1957 at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg. In 1959, Hamm took his first job in Humboldt, Kansas, as a high school guidance counselor.

An offer for a position as junior high guidance counselor brought the Hamm’s to Coffeyville in 1961. That’s where they remained for their life. They had daughters Betsy, in 1962, and Nancy, in 1964.

Hamm received a doctoral degree in education from Oklahoma State University in 1985. He served for 39 years within USD #445. He worked up through the ranks to eventually become an elementary school principal; middle school counselor and teacher; secondary vice principal and principal and finally as a deputy superintendent in charge of curriculum before retiring in 2000.  

After his retirement, he continued to be a loyal servant to the community. He poured himself into volunteer work. For 17 years, he managed and coordinated drivers and delivery routes for the Meals on Wheels program.  He was on several local boards, notably serving nearly five terms on the Coffeyville school board. In 2008, the community honored his years of service by naming the newly built early childhood center after him.

He also served on the Imagination Library and Salvation Army boards in addition to being an early board member for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas — instrumental in providing healthcare and mental health services for people in the region, which happens to have some of the most poverty-stricken counties in the country.

One of Hamm’s missions in his retirement was to keep up with contemporary topics and current philosophies in education. He was known by colleagues as someone who would often provide insight by merely leaving notes on someone’s desk or sliding relevant notes across the table in a meeting.

Several philosophical quotes that motivated Hamm to continue these pursuits into his 90th year of life included the following:

“If not us, who? If not now, when?” and “as you walk through time, make sure to leave worthy evidence of your passage.”

He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Oertle, daughter Betsy Chappell (Jim), seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, son-in-law Scott Dixon, three step grandchildren and sisters-in-law Francis Hamm and Phyllis Hamm.  He is preceded in death by parents, Belva and Abner; wife, Norma; siblings Reba Hastings, Alice Holland, Bud Hamm and Lefty Hamm; daughter Nancy and many other friends and relatives.

With great honor Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave. of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangement. Visitation for Jerry and Norma will now be held on October 14th from 9 to 11a.m. at the church they loved, prior to services at Coffeyville First United Methodist Church, 304 W. 10th St., Coffeyville, KS

Double memorial service for Jerry and Norma, will be held on October 14th at 11 a.m. at Coffeyville First United Methodist Church. Norma had a great love for flowers and had requested that all flowers to be white in color. She found great beauty in all white flowers.  A public inurnment will immediately follow the service at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville. Jerry and Norma will be at rest next to their daughter, Nancy Dixon.

The family is requesting memorial donations to honor Dr. Hamm’s life may be made payable the donor's choice of the following:

Dr. Jerry Hamm Early Learning Center

200 Walnut St.

Coffeyville, KS 67337

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

3011 N. Michigan St.

Pittsburg, KS 66762

First United Methodist Church of Coffeyville with a designation for educational purposes

304 W. Tenth St.

Coffeyville, KS 67337

Coffeyville Imagination Library

311 W. 10th St.

Coffeyville, KS 67337

Contributions may be left in care of the chapel. To leave an online condolence or share a memory or view the live streaming of services visit fordwulfbrunschapel.com under his obituary page.