Measure what you have to gain, by what you have to lose.
Obituary
The life of Preston James “PJ” Hamilton begins in Chicago, Illinois on January 15, 1951, when he was brought into the world by Dorothy Williams and James Hamilton. From this union his baby sister, Phoebe Ann, was also born. Dorothy would go on to have several other children – Anthony, Leroy, Jerome, Sharday and Andre – who Preston would call his brothers and sisters.
While attending Dwight D Eisenhower High School, Preston would work nights cleaning a local McDonalds to save money for his first car. Shortly after graduating high school in 1968, he would enter the army and was soon sent to serve his country in Vietnam.
Throughout his military career, Preston would be stationed in many places throughout the world such as Asia, Germany, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia and Maryland. He also held various positions in the army, serving as a Staff Sargent, Vehicle Mechanic, Army Recruiter, Drill Sargent, and Chief Warrant Officer.
Many young cousins and neighbors fondly remember Preston coming home from his various army travels and playing basketball or making them do drills in his yard. He would also bring home gifts such as beautiful beer stein mugs or artfully cut crystal from his time spent in Germany.
Preston would go on to have three children – his sons Preston James Hamilton II and Preston James Hamilton III known as Boo, and his daughter Elisa A Jackson, who he often called “Preston in a skirt”. His grandchildren, Jazmin, Maya and Preston, who lovingly called him Pop Pop, brought him an immeasurable amount of joy throughout his life.
Anyone who knows Preston knows that he enjoyed his various toys such as trucks, RVs, and boats. But his most prized possessions were his motorcycles. Preston loved to ride his motorcycles every chance he could. Nothing brought him greater joy than to hop on his Valkyrie or Harley and take an early morning drive. He was a proud member of the Buffalo Soldiers in Alabama, Atlanta and South Carolina, where he was affectionately known as Mr. Big Stuff.
If he wasn’t riding his motorcycle or driving the country back roads in his 1987 Chevy Silverado called Dogg, Preston was at home enjoying any movie or TV show with “Cowboys and Indians”. Some of his most rewatched western classics were The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Unforgiven or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. And when he wasn’t watching a western, ABC World News Tonight or John Wick were in heavy rotation.
Even though he was no longer married, he remained the best of friends with former wife, Rita Hamilton, and his brother-in-law, Harold Goodman. They would be his constant companions and friends even through his final moments on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Preston is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy; his father, James; both sons, Preston II and Preston III; his sister, Phoebe; and his brothers, Anthony and Leroy.
He is survived by his daughter, Elisa (Brandon); his sister, Sharday; his brothers, Jerome and Andre; and his grandchildren, Jazmin, Maya and Preston.
Private funeral services will be held by the family at a later date.
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When I heard that Butch was in town and was coming over to visit us, my Husband, Harris would go early to the fish market on 71st on State Street to buy some of the freshest Catfish. That was one of my Cousin Butch's favorite meals, deep fried catfish with some of my infamous potato salad! It always made me so happy to see Butch and to see him enjoy one of his favorite meals with us at my home! I called those times we shared, "The good old days!" Recently, my husband and I finally got the chance to visit my dear cousin in his home in Columbus Georgia for the very first time and we had the privilege of meeting his Grandson, Preston who he was very proud of and who took excellent care of him during his illness. I loved my Cousin Butch and his Sister Phoebe very much and I look forward in seeing them again in Paradise on earth when Jesus calls, and they will answer him during the Resurrection!
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Favorites
- American Trucker
- Counting Cars
- Saving Private Ryan
"Smells like a cool breeze from a camel's ass."
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