James A. Hamler

OBITUARY

James Arthur Hamler, Jr., 83, Topeka, a frequent traveler and jazz musician, died on Sunday, September 26, 2004, of complications from a stroke.
He was born January 21, 1921 in Marceline, Mo. The son of James Arthur Hamler and Effie Beavers Hamler. He moved to Merriam, Kansas in his youth. He was graduated from the Shawnee Mission Rural High School in 1937 and was the salutatorian of his class. He attended Kansas City Junior College.
At the outbreak of World War II Mr. Hamler enlisted in Army Air Corps, trained at Thunderbird Field in Arizona and in Wisconsin for Radio School. After training he served honorably in England, France and Ireland as a clerk for senior leadership.
After retirement he traveled extensively. He visited every state and Canada and Mexico, spending time researching libraries during these tours.
He was an accomplished musician on the piano and keyboard. Jazz was the true love of his life along with travel. He frequently went to Kansas City to listen to jazz and visit with performers. He performed with various jazz groups over the years.
He was also a bird watcher, loved flowers, and enjoyed bicycle riding as a preferred mode of transportation.
He is survived by his sister Dorothy Hamler of Overland Park whom he loved to visit and enjoy time in her flower garden. He was very proud of her green thumb and often spoke of her to visitors.
Mr. Hamler lived modestly. In his later years he recognized the importance of charitable giving and has established gifts after his death to benefit the homeless, mentally ill children and troubled teens.
Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Cremation will follow the services. Mr. Hamler will lie in state after noon Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel.