Dr. Jimmy Hamilton

Dr. Jimmy Lynn Hamilton died peacefully on January 30, 2025. He was a pillar of the community, helping and caring for thousands in Northeast Mississippi for 35 years as a devoted surgeon to his patients.

 Jimmy was born October 29, 1946 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Dr. and Mrs. James Hamilton and subsequently moved to Houston, MS where his father was a dentist. He graduated from Houston High School, where he lettered in football as a split end, in 1964. From there, he went to the University of Mississippi and graduated with a BS in Biology in 1968. He was accepted to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson and graduated in 1972. He then began his residency in General Surgery under the renowned chair of the Department of Surgery, Dr. James D. Hardy. He excelled in his training and was the Chief Resident in 1977. A Vascular fellowship followed the next year in Jackson. 

Jimmy was recruited by Drs. Robert Caldwell, Bob Kirk, and Benton Hilbun to Tupelo in 1978 to start his practice with the Surgery Clinic of Tupelo, where for 35 years he tirelessly applied his trade to care for the community and surrounding areas. He was on staff at North Mississippi Medical Center, where he was elected Chief of Staff as well as Chief of Surgery. During that time, he also mentored approximately 150 resident surgeons including his son Brian as faculty for the Department of General Surgery thru the University of Mississippi Medical Center when they came to Tupelo several times during their training. His efforts made him a favorite with residents to learn all facets of General Surgery. In 2010, he was awarded the Dr. Fred Rushton Award for his efforts in teaching residents. He retired from practice in 2013. 

In retirement, he kept himself busy still. He worked with the coding department at the hospital to assist coders with his medical insight. He read more leisurely but still to learn; his favorite subject was World War II. Duck and pheasant hunting allowed him to spend time in nature. Golf, a sport he had a lifelong passion for, continued to be an enjoyment, not only for sport, but also to enjoy time with his friends and children. 

Jimmy met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Schertz, during his surgical residency in Jackson, where she was an ICU nurse. They married on September 7, 1974. She stood beside him for over 50 years of marriage. He often told people how lucky he was that he was blessed to have her as a wife and support throughout their marriage. They had two sons, Brian and Mike. He supported them in everything they did and actively took time from his schedule for their educational and athletic endeavors. 

“High Pockets”, as he was known to his friends, due to him wearing his pants well above his waist, was known as a trusted friend and confidant for advice. He was respected by those who worked with him and knew him as someone who expected excellence from their efforts, because he expected the same from himself. 

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Kathy, their sons, Brian and Mike, daughters-in-law Ronnie (Brian) and Ashley (Mike), grandchildren Emma and Judson (who affectionately named him “Doc”), and his brother Gary Hamilton and his family. 

Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025 at Pegues, Tupelo

Services honoring Dr. Hamilton’s memory will be 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Dr. John Armisted officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Brian Hamilton, Mr. Michael Hamilton, Mr. James Hamilton, Mr. Richard Schertz, Mr. Jerry Pearson, and Dr. Danny Sanders.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Gary Hamilton, Dr. James “Buddy” Williamson, Dr. Mitch Massey, Dr. Sam Pace, and Dr. Barney Guyton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lee County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS 38803; or Sanctuary Hospice, PO Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.