Jimmy “Jim” Don Hamilton, of Salina, passed away at Pinnacle Park on December 12, 2025, after a battle with cancer and dementia.

Jim was born on March 12, 1944, in Concordia, Kansas, to Betty Lucille Bradrick Ford and Jack Arthur Ford. He attended Mankato High School and graduated with the Class of 1962.

In September of 1962, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four and a half years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam.

After his military service, Jim met Cynthia (Wiruth) of Cuba, Kansas. The two were united in marriage on March 16, 1968, at the Cuba Presbyterian Church. They shared 57 years together and raised two daughters, Krista and Karla.

Using the GI Bill, Jim enrolled in plumbing school and earned his master plumbing license. He worked on powerhouses throughout Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. He later worked at local plumbing shops in Salina, and after working for Sampson Plumbing, he purchased the business in 1980. Jim continued operating the business until his retirement in 2010.

Jim enjoyed archery hunting and spent countless hours in his tree stand. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and liked to remind people—with a grin—that their plumbing problems were his “bread and butter.” Jim was very opinionated and didn’t have any problem letting you know what he thought.

Above all else, Jim was a devoted son, husband, father, and Papa.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Betty and Marvin Hamilton; his father, Jack Ford; and his parents-in-law, Alice and Frank Wiruth.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of Salina; daughters Krista (Rob) Long and Karla (Jerry) Breeden; five grandchildren, Callie Evans (Carson), Cooper Long (fiancée Mykenzee Bergerson), Cade Peters, Cason Long, and Wyatt Breeden; and two great-granddaughters, Chloe Jane Evans—who shared a birthday with her Papa—and Clara Kay Evans.

A “come and go” memorial service will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, please dress casually.

A private burial will take place at Kopsa Cemetery in Cuba, Kansas, at a later date.

Memorials can be made in Jim’s honor to Pinnacle Care or Interim healthcare.