Obituary of James Hamre

Rev. Dr. James Stanley Hamre (Jim)

October 28, 1931 - January 3, 2021

On January 3, 2021, James Hamre passed away at the age of 89 in Saint Petersburg, Fl.  He was born in Lac qui Parle, Minnesota to Alfred Hamre and Stella Stokke Hamre.  James was a devout Christian and a great lover of learning.  He attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota for his undergraduate studies and Luther College for his seminary studies.  He also received his master's degree at the University of Chicago and his doctorate degree at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.  He served as a pastor in a parish in Redlodge, Montana prior to receiving his doctoral degree.

James continued his love of education while serving as a professor of philosophy and religion at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.  He enjoyed being an active part of the Waldorf campus life, his church Immanuel Lutheran Church, and the community of Forest City.  Following his retirement, he became the Waldorf College historian.  Throughout his career James was a prolific writer.  He wrote many published articles in his field and published two books.  He received the Augsburg Distinguished Alumni award in 2002.

He married the love of his life, Corrine Benson Hamre, in 1957.  They were married for 63 years.  James will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Kristi and Kari, her husband Stacy Redmond, and his special joy, his granddaughter Nicole.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three of his dear siblings, Stella Ann Olson, Elaine Huhta, and Jack Hamre.  He is survived by his wife Corrine, his daughters, son-in law Stacy, and granddaughter Nicole.  He is also survived by his brother Paul Hamre, and many cherished nieces and nephews.