Obituary of James Robert Hambacher

James "Jim" Robert Hambacher, 88, of Tucson, AZ, passed away Monday, December 30, 2013, at his home. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 6th, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell, Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718. James was born September 16, 1925, in Mountainside, NJ, to Jacob and Ella (Flitcraft) Hambacher. He graduated from Mountainside High School in 1943 and served in the Army from November, 1943, through August, 1946, in the 343rd Regiment of the 86th Infantry Division ("Black Hawks"). His unit saw 42 days of combat duty in the European Theatre and was also part of the occupation force in the Philippines after VJ Day. James earned several commendations for his service including the Bronze Star. After the war he graduated from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, and the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. He met his wife, the former Mary ("Molly") Aileen Potter, at the U of A; and they were married on August 25, 1951, in her hometown of Rock Island, Illinois. During his career he managed multiple businesses in radio, cable television, and medicine. James was a lifelong Arizona Wildcat and actively supported both academics and athletics. He was an avid golfer and gardener, and also enjoyed reading and the annual reunions of his Army division. James is survived by his wife, Molly; his sons: James Robert Hambacher Jr., and his wife Sandy of Tucson, AZ; Michael Allen Hambacher and his wife Michelle of Tucson, AZ; and John Jacob Hambacher and his wife Nancy of Woodinville, WA; his brother, Richard Austin Hambacher of Casa Grande, AZ; his grandchildren: Chris, Bryan, Jacob, Erin, and Kelly; his great-grandchildren: Emma, Matthew, and Rebecca; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Ella, and his brother Allen John Hambacher. Donations may be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity Tucson, 3501 Mountain Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, or The University of Arizona Foundation, 1111 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME.