John L. Hamilton

John L. Hamilton (of Hazard Kentucky) was born April 03, 1975.  He was born in Perry County, Kentucky to the union of Robert (Bob) Hamilton and Edith Eversole Hamilton.

John was a graduate of the M.C. Napier High School where he played football during his high school career.  Upon graduating, John attended Alice Lloyd College.  He later furthered his education at Midway University where he obtained his teaching degree and completed his master’s in leadership at UPike.

At the age of 19, John professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.  Little did he know what the Lord had in store for his life and a future in ministry.

John was later united in marriage to the love of his life, Amy Couch Hamilton on September 26, 1998 in Hazard, Kentucky.

Until the closing of the company, John served as General Manager of the D.J. Plastic Factory in Hazard.  He worked tirelessly to make the company the best it could be.  He then worked for Wayne Supply Co. until he made his dream a reality and became a teacher.  This is when John’s passion and talents began to shine.

John began his teaching career at Buckhorn High School where he did his student teaching.  He taught there for six years.  At the beginning of the 2023 school year, John started his first-year teaching as an Eagle at Leslie County High School.  His specialty subject was math, but his real specialty was helping the students.  He had a true love and genuine concern for each student he taught. His talent to connect with students and provide them with the help they needed was profound and appreciated.

Though John had a talent and a love for his career, John’s truest love was his love for the Lord.  He used his talents in many ways to serve his Lord.  He served as assistant pastor of the Big Creek Church, as well as the worship leader and many other roles.  John’s faith was unwavering, and his commitment to the Lord was evident in the life that he lived.

While John had accomplished much during his short 48 years, his greatest accomplishment was his family, whom he loved so dear.  His devotion to his beloved wife, Amy, and to his two cherished children, Elizabeth and Ethan was evident.  He worked daily for the betterment of their lives.  To ensure their livelihood, and the confidence in themselves; pushing them to be the best they can be, or as John recently reminded them to know, “I am loved, I have a purpose, I am enough”.

John loved four wheeling, grilling/cookouts, and was an avid football fan.  His favorite time was family time.  He loved adventures with his family, or as John would call them, “Hamilton Adventures” Many times, John would say “Let’s Go!”  They would get in the car and could end up anywhere.  He loved to surprise the kids with adventures; taking them to a place they would enjoy, but not telling them until they arrived.  Sometimes they were excited, and pleasantly surprised! Other times, not so much…

John was known as a selfless and genuine guy.  A guy who loved God, his family, and his work, as a teacher, pastor and a true leader.  His presence will continue through the love he shared and the impact he made on each person he came across.  His selflessness will continue with the extending of life through his donation to someone in need.  But his spirit will continue with God who gave it.

On Thursday, October 26, 2023 John’s faith became sight.  John was 48 years old.

Left to celebrate his life:  his loving & devoted wife, Amy Couch Hamilton;  two cherished children, Elizabeth Hamilton and Ethan Hamilton, both of Hazard, KY;  His beloved parents, Robert (Bob) L. Hamilton & Edith Eversole Hamilton of Hazard, KY; One sister, Debbie Hamilton of Winchester, KY; beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenny and Teresa Couch of Hyden, KY;  a nephew, Josh(Kimberly) Lickliter of Sassafras, KY; his brother-in-law, Kendall (Becky) Couch of Hyden, KY.  A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews also survive his passing.

Funeral - 2p.m. Monday at the Hal Rogers Center Forum with Ethan Hamilton, Terry Joseph, Johnny Akers and Jerry Couch officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hamilton Cemetery at Hazard, KY.

Visitation will be held from 11a.m. - 2p.m. Monday at the Forum.

**In Lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests expressions for sympathy take place in the form of donations to the John L. Hamilton Scholarship Fund, 44 Coleman Lane, Hazard, KY. 41701**

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home