Jerry Paul Hamilton

Jerry Paul “J.P.” Hamilton, 68, of College Station, Texas, passed into the arms of the Lord on July 22, 2025, following a nearly two-year battle with Stage IV colon cancer.

He is survived by his three children: Jon-Davis Hamilton of College Station; Keirsten Hamilton and her husband, Matthew Meyer, of Dallas; and Jordan Hamilton and his partner, Vivi Yang, of Tokyo, Japan. He is also survived by his four siblings: Carolyn Fagan and her husband, Mark Fagan, of Groesbeck; Connie Duncan and her husband, Vance Duncan, of Houston; John Hamilton and his wife, Gaye Hamilton, of Waco; and James Hamilton and his wife, Theresa Hamilton, of Groesbeck. In addition, he is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with many dear friends, including his former wife, Sherry Suggs, and her husband, Richard Suggs, of College Station, as well as Caden Ford, his wife, Kaylinn, and their daughter, Parker, also of College Station. Their presence in his life brought him great comfort and joy. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, grandparents, and a number of beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jerry Paul, a seventh-generation Texan, was born on May 12, 1957, in Baytown, Texas, to Gerald “Jerry” Glen Hamilton and Delma Christine Coker. Despite living in Alabama at the time, his mother, Delma, was determined that her son would be born in Texas. The oldest of five children, he grew up with four built-in best friends, each of whom he loved fiercely. Being an older brother taught him how to sacrifice, how to protect others, and, most importantly, how to forgive.

Though Jerry Paul grew up in several places across the country, his family eventually settled in his father’s hometown of Groesbeck, Texas, where he attended Groesbeck High School and graduated in 1975. After high school—and despite his lifelong devotion to the University of Texas—Jerry Paul attended MCC and later Baylor University so he could remain close to his younger siblings and his mother. Despite his best efforts, all three of his children would go on to attend Texas A&M University.

His love for history, politics, and books sparked his interest in the law. Having grown up in a small town and worked on a farm, Jerry Paul knew firsthand the injustices people often face, and he aspired to become a lawyer to help others.

Ultimately, though, his love for family called him back home. He left school early to join his family’s many business ventures alongside his then-wife, Sherry. In their twenties, Jerry Paul and Sherry operated a fried chicken restaurant in McGregor, Texas, before Jerry Paul and his brothers launched a contract mowing company in the 1980s.

In 1988, Jerry Paul became a father—first to Jon-Davis, followed quickly by Keirsten in 1989 and Jordan in 1991. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Jerry Paul and Sherry raised their children in his hometown of Groesbeck, surrounded by a lively pack of cousins. Though his work took him all over Texas, he never missed a chance to coach little league, chaperone a field trip, or spend a Saturday morning playing catch. He encouraged his children to be kind, to work hard, and to always be gracious.

Jerry Paul loved to cook, spend time with his children, work on the family farm, plant trees, and care for his yard. He would even join the Trail Ride on occasion: riding a horse from Navasota to Houston with many of his closest lifelong friends. Above all else, however, he loved an afternoon on a riding lawn mower—it gave him a sense of pride to start and finish a task, and he instilled that same pride in his children.

His love of mowing, agriculture, and selfless service to others was reflected in his work as he and his brothers pivoted to flood mitigation in Houston in the early 2000’s. This would prove to be a 20 year spanning career: one that would ultimately see him provide for the safety of millions of Houstonians against yearly flooding.

During his daily travels all around the state, he had the chance to interact with a rich tapestry of Texans, but none that ever stayed a stranger. Known for his kind heart and quick wit, he had the ability to make anyone smile. And for that, he will be dearly missed.

Beyond his children, Jerry Paul’s greatest source of pride and joy was his relationship with Jesus Christ. In his final days, he shared his faith freely and often, witnessing to everyone he encountered.

We find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is now at peace in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

A service celebrating his life and legacy will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Avenue in Bryan, Texas, on August 1st at 3:00 PM, with a visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. A reception with the family will follow.

In response to those who have asked how they can help, friends of the family have created a fund to assist with the significant medical expenses Jerry Paul’s children are now managing. Contributions may be made at: https://gofund.me/d8e95d7b

Express condolences to the family at www.CallawayJones.com.