James Hammonds was born on October 1, 1936, to the late James Hammond, Sr., and Maybell Roberts Whigham in North Augusta, South Carolina. After an illness, James departed this life on April 10, 2026, at home surrounded by his four sons.

James graduated from Lucy Laney High School in 1956. On June 10, 1957, he married fellow classmate Geneva Lucille Dickerson. He was well known around Augusta as a barber, swim instructor, and bowler. James worked for the Murray Biscuit Company and The Housing Authority. But he found his calling driving nightly for UPS and talking on the CB with other truckers under the handle of BLACK MAGIC. James retired from UPS in 1998 after 28 years of service.

An avid traveler, he was a member of the funseekers RV Club of Augusta, Georgia, for 51 years. James and his wife Geneva crisscrossed the United States in their motorhome, visiting state parks and national monuments. James and Geneva were married for 58 years when she departed this life on August 12, 2015.

James was a man of deep and enduring faith, devoted to the Catholic Church from an early age.

His beliefs were a steady foundation throughout his life, guiding his values, relationships, and service to others. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, where he found fellowship and purpose, living out his commitment to charity, unity, and faith in both his parish and community.

He was preceded in death by his wife Geneva Lucille Dickerson Hammonds, his parents, James Hammond, Sr, and Maybell Roberts Whigham; three brothers, Thomas Whigham, Johnnie Hammond, and Carswell Hammond; and seven sisters, Dorothy Jesse Weaver, Betty Whigham Smith, Mattie B. Hammond, Essie Mae Hammond Johnson, Roberta Hammond, and twin sisters Mary Ella Hammond Thurmond and Mary Martha Hammond Hall.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his four sons, James (Luevirta) Hammonds III, Eric A. (Carolyn) Hammonds, Jeffrey T. (Karen) Hammonds, and Orlando D. (Gwendolyn) Hammonds, all of Augusta, Georgia. One brother, John Henry Whigham of Augusta, Georgia. Two sisters-in-law, Gloria (Frank) Carpenter and Carolyn Dickerson of Augusta, Georgia; two grandsons; five granddaughters; seven great-grandsons; and two great-granddaughters.

A visitation will be Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 2 to 6 pm at Kinsey and Walton Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 12:15 pm at The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 720 Telfair St., Augusta, GA 30901.

Kinsey and Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Rd, Augusta, GA 30906. (706) 790-8858.