Obituary, Scott Valley

Jeff Hamilton, Passed Away on May 4, 2023

 

Dr. Jeff Hamilton was formerly superintendent of Etna High and Fort Jones school districts. The family moved from Fort Jones to Mariposa in ‘98.

Photo and Obituary source Mariposa Gazette

Beloved son, brother, devoted husband, loyal friend, dedicated father and proud grandpa, Jeff Hamilton, passed away on May 4, 2023, after a sudden illness. He was 77.

Jeff was a native Californian. He was an Eagle Scout. Following a tour in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, he enrolled at San Diego State University, where he majored in art and minored in English.

It was at SDSU where he met his wife of 53 years, Barbara.

He worked as a Mission Bay lifeguard part time. After earning his credential, he began his public school career at Cajon Valley SD.

He earned his M.A. and Ed.D. from Pt. Loma College/ N.A.U., Flagstaff, Ariz. He served as a principal in the Mendota School District, the superintendent/principal of Ft. Jones ESD and as the county and district superintendent at Mariposa County Unified School District for the last three years before his retirement.

He wrote several books but was most pleased with his last, “The Significant We,” a parent guide to enhancing self-esteem. 

Jeff enjoyed fly fishing, swimming, camping, golfing, movies and family activities. He was a member of the Mariposa Rotary for many years and was instrumental in creating the MCUSD Kids First Foundation.

Jeff was an enthusiastic member of the “G Team,” a foursome of Mariposa golfers who played every Tuesday.

He always claimed that “it was all about lunch.” He always had a joke to share and was known for his hearty laugh.

He faithfully kept a daily prayer journal and had a passion for Bible prophecy.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Barb; three brothers, Tim, Mark and Tom; one sister, Lisa; three sons, Ben-Thomas, Michael and Jon; his six grandchildren, Ellawyn, Christian, Madison, Jonathan, Hannah and James; and treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations to the MCUSD Kids First Foundation, P.O. Box 2369, Mariposa, CA 95338.

A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.

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