John W. "Jack" Hammer, age 90, was a beloved husband of the late Betty Jo (nee Pauley) for 53 years. Loving father of Nancy Boyer, Mary Jo (Rick) Halleck, Tim Hammer and the late John Jr. and Jamie (Patti Billaber) Hammer. He was the Cherished grandfather of Shawn (Brian) Kapanowski, Jody (Ryan) Cardoni, Shane Hammer, Jonathan Halleck, Thor Boyer, Jahn Billaber, Puanani Hammer and Jamiee Jo Hammer. And the Great Grandfather of Drew and Blake Kapanowski, and Cali and Jack Cardoni. Dear brother of Virginia Tisdale and the late Bob and Jim Hammer. Brother in law of Patsy Dunn, Nancy (Jerry Morris) Loucks, Steve (Cathy) Pauley, Clara Young, Kelly (Rhonda) Pauley and the late Lois (Warren) Bailey, Donald Ray Jr., and Michael Pauley.

Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan (December 28th, 1923) to Arthur and Elizabeth Hammer. He attended Visitation, and Catholic Central High school, and University of Detroit School of Law. JACK HAMMER honorably served as a 1st Lieutenant, Navigator in the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) during World War II. Jack from Detroit, enlisted in 1942 at 18 years old as an Aviation Cadet after basic training, graduated in 1943 from pre-flight school as a Navigator then was promoted to 1st Lieutenant before his overseas combat tour. According to a fellow crew pilot, "Jack was a very care free young man with a happy disposition who was an excellent navigator". At Selman Field, Monroe Louisiana on June 9, 1944 Jack was awarded a certificate of excellence in recognition of Honest and Faithful Service to his country. While stationed at Ellington Field Houston, Texas in 1945 Jack married Betty Jo (nee Pauley, deceased 1998). After moving to Detroit, Michigan Jack and Betty began to raise their family. Jack was an outstanding Allstate Insurance Agent for over 40 years. He was the "you're in good hands man". He also worked at the Costick Center in Farmington Hills, enjoying his job of welcoming people with a hearty hand shake. Jack enjoyed working outdoors, especially moving rocks and boulders. He was a strong man that lived a joyous, yet simple, life. He was a family man, and concerned himself with each of them. He always asked if you were putting it all together. Having experienced a long and eventful life, he would offer his wisdom with a friendly, "Let me share something with you!". "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." - John 11:25-26

Funeral Mass Friday, February 14th, 10 AM (in state 9:30 AM) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church 23815 Power Road, Farmington, MI 48336. Fr. Mark S. Brauer, Pastor officiating. Visitation will be Thursday 2-8 PM (Rosary 7 PM) at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, Downtown Farmington. Burial will take place in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield with U.S. Air Force Military Honors.