Porter resident John “Jack” J. Hammond, Sr., age 71, formerly of Calumet City, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 at Porter Hospital Valparaiso Campus. He was 71.

Born on July 18, 1938 in Chicago, he was the son of William and Helena (Sheehan) Hammond, II. He worked security for the Las Vegas Hilton and was a former police officer in Calumet City. Jack enjoyed painting, crafting and going to the casino boats. He loved fishing and spending time at the cottage. Jack served in the U.S. Marines. He was a one-of-a-kind man and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by children Virginia “Ginger” Groff (husband Robert Carter) of Porter, John J. Hammond, Jr. of Lansing, Ill., and Monica Scheppe (Paul) of Lansing; brother William Hammond III (wife Sue) of Fort Myers, Fla.; grandchildren Jessica, Jasmine, Joseph, John, Brian and Sam; great-grandchild Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Daniel Hammond, Sr., and grandson Nicholas.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Cremation will be in Heritage Crematory, Portage. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials for John may be made to the family. www.ee-fh.com

Posted 1/8/2010