James Hammond

James Ottis Hammond, 88, of Artesia, NM fell asleep in death on November 7, 2021 at his daughter's home in Colorado, where he had been living for the past six months.

J.O. or “Babe" as his family called him, was born in Big Spring, Texas on December 20, 1932, to Jim and Writa Mae Hammond, He was the fourth of seven children Ruth, Georgia, Charlie, James, John, Louise, and Frank. All have preceded him in death except for his brother, John of Phoenix, Arizona.

J.O. Married his wife, Marquita Dunson, on January 21, 1952. They spent most of their years together in Artesia and raised five children and enjoyed their many grandchildren. They also spent a few years in Colorado and Wyoming. They were married 69 years until her death earlier this year, on April 2, 2021.

They are survived by five children: Phillip Hammond and wife Becki of Lake Arthur, NM, Michael Hammond and wife Catherine of Pueblo, CO, Ricky Hammond and wife Belinda of Artesia, NM, Diane DeTemple and husband Bruse of Keenesburg, C0, Mark Hammond and wife Legeta of Artesia, NM.  They also have 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

J.O. worked as an oil and water well driller for over 70 years, following in his father's footsteps as did his brothers Charlie, John and Frank, J.O. and his brother Charlie operated C & J Drilling of Artesia for 35 years. Most of his work was done in New Mexico and Texas, but he also worked for several years in the oil fields of Colorado and Wyoming. Even after retirement, he still continued to work in the oil patch, until his health declined and he was no longer able to. Even then, his heart was still in it. All of his sons followed in his footsteps and work in the oil and gas industry.

One of his interests was vintage automobiles. He and his brothers restored many of them. His  pride and joy was his 1941 Ford that he restored. He passed this love of working on and restoring vehicles to all of his sons. J.O. was a member of the Artesia Car Club.

He and his wife will be dearly missed by their family, friends and the community.

A graveside service will be held at Woodbine Cemetery on Saturday, November 20 at 10 am.