Born November 24, 1934 in Bronx, NY, Died May 4, 2023 in Kingwood, TX. Preceded in death by parents Robert L. and Marie Nelson Hammond. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Souve of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and three grandsons, Robert Souve III, Christopher Souve and Nicholas Souve. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Julie (Parker) Piskura of Glastonbury, Connecticut.

John graduated from Middlebury College in 1956, where he thoroughly enjoyed his time on campus in the mountains of Vermont. John was a passionate Middlebury College student. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and played varsity golf varsity baseball under famed Middlebury Coach Robert "Bobo" Sheehan. As a freshman, his desire to form a barbershop quartet led him to join the famed acapella group "The Dissipated Eight", bringing the first double barbershop quartet to Middlebury. The Dissipated Eight still performs today on campus and throughout the northeast and USA. As an alumnus, John loved coming back to campus for the annual Gordie Perine Alumni golf tournament with his Dissipated Eight buddy Lewis "Buddy" Parker. After golf they would join the current Dissipated Eight members to serenade the alumni at the President's Reception.

After graduation, John began a life-long career in the travel industry. Initially working in sales for BOAC out of Boston, John became a master of balancing work with his great love for skiing and golf. He began moonlighting at resorts in Maine and Vermont as a ski instructor and on ski patrol, which enabled him ample free ski time. It was his love of skiing and golf that pulled him west to Denver in the early 1970s.

In Denver, while working for Continental Airlines, John continued moonlighting on the slopes. He also had his golf game in peak form, competing in city tournaments and the occasional pro-am. As relatives and friends arrived for winter skiing, John was there, always wearing a smile, always in a good mood, always positive and supportive. He was everyone's "Cuz", everyones Uncle and everyone's buddy. Despite his small actual family, he had many "brothers" scattered all over the USA. John never forgot a birthday and was a regular visitor to his many friends on holidays and vacations. John even performed a couple of cameos as Santa Claus over the years. John's only vices were his love of bargain cigars and warm Diet Coke.

John worked as a sales manager for Continental Airlines in Ohio in the 2000s and later accepted a similar role in Houston, finishing his career with United Airlines. With the warm Houston weather, his focus outside of work was primarily on golf. After retiring, John stayed busy as a starter/marshal at Deerwood Country Club, giving him access to the links. And later, he became a suite attendant at the Toyota Center where he could see concerts and watch the Houston Rockets play. He even tried a brief stint as an Uber driver which is a whole other story for anyone who ever rode in a car with John!

It was in Houston that John gained a lasting network of good friends. Many knew him as Uncle Jay, thought of him as a lovable big brother, and a dedicated friend. John was also a man of deep faith and conviction. He worshiped at Second Baptist Church, loved his Bible Study, shared meals with friends, and enjoyed his passion for golf until the end. A wonderfully kind man, John/Jay Hammond will live on in the hearts of his many friends and family members. May his memory forever be a blessing.