James Francis Hammer

James Francis Hammer, 84, of Patchogue, New York, passed away on October 18, 2025, after a long battle with heart and liver disease, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born in New York and grew up with a deep love of baseball. As a boy, he dreamed of becoming a Major League Baseball player, spending nearly all of his free time out on the field, playing, practicing, and chasing that dream with the same dedication that would later define his craft.

At sixteen, under the guidance of his father, Edward — himself a respected master mason — James began what would become a lifelong devotion to bricklaying. Though his father insisted he leave high school to start as an apprentice, James’s determination led him to earn his high school equivalency diploma two years later.

Before fully settling into his career, James proudly served his country as a National Guardsman for five years, reflecting his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment.

Over the next 45 years, James built a reputation across New York as a Master Mason whose craftsmanship was unmatched. His hands helped shape museums, landmarks, and beloved tourist attractions throughout the city and Long Island — places that still stand as a testament to his artistry, precision, and pride in his work. Whether restoring historic stonework or creating intricate brick designs for new buildings, James approached every project with care and perfectionism.

His career was not without hardship. James endured many falls on the job — including one that nearly paralyzed him — yet he refused to let it stop him. His toughness, determination, and strong will defined him both at work and at home. And while he was famously not quiet — with a talent for colorful complaining that could fill a room — those who knew him wouldn’t have had it any other way. His voice, humor, and presence filled every space he entered.

In 1967, James met Alice, the love of his life. They shared a marriage of 58 years until her passing in February of this year. Together, they had one daughter — who, for many years, often found herself at odds with him. Yet in the final eight months of his life, they forged a deep, meaningful bond, sharing closeness, laughter, and mutual respect that became one of the most cherished parts of their relationship.

James also crafted beautiful fireplaces for his wife and relatives — each a testament to his skill and care. By the time his daughter married, he was happily retired, his trowel finally set down after decades of building. Family jokes often pointed out that while he built half of Long Island, his daughter never got that fireplace she teased him about — a small but enduring family legend.

After retirement, James turned his lifelong love of baseball into a new passion. He became an avid collector of baseball cards, memorabilia, and other baseball treasures, delighting in building and organizing his collection, sharing stories of players past and present, and reliving the games and seasons he loved as a boy. He also found great joy in spoiling his grandson, Christopher — teaching him all his favorite dirty jokes and, against his parents’ wishes, introducing him to horror movies at the tender age of two. James’s mischievous sense of humor, boundless energy, and playful rebellion made him a legendary grandfather in the family’s eyes.

Beyond his trade, James was a man of laughter, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family. He took joy in baseball games, sharing stories, and being surrounded by loved ones. He especially delighted in the company of close family friends Tracey and Ray and their children — Jimmy, Stephanie, and Maria — who affectionately called him Uncle Jimmy. He and Alice shared many holidays, outings, and special moments with the family, creating memories that brought warmth, laughter, and joy to everyone around them. His legacy endures not only in the walls and buildings he helped create, but in the strength, love, humor, and tender, playful spirit he leaves behind in everyone who knew him.

Survived by: his daughter, grandson Christopher, and brother Mike. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice, and sister, Mary.

Visitation: Monday, October 27, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home, 6447 Route 25A, Wading River, NY.

Funeral Mass: Monday, October 27, at 11:45 AM at St. Mark’s R.C. Church, Shoreham, NY. A private cremation will follow.

James will be remembered for his craft, his humor, his love of baseball, and the boundless warmth he shared with family and friends. He built more than walls — he built memories, laughter, and a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Francis Hammer, please visit our floral store.