Jeffrey Eli Hamm was born to James and Geneva Hamm on April 15, 1949, in Washington, DC. After completing his education in Washington, DC and Virginia, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably and attaining the rank of E6 Staff Sergeant. He completed two tours in Vietnam, demonstrating courage and dedication.
Following his military service, Eli, as most friends called him, worked at construction sites in Northern California before joining Mare Island Naval Shipyard as a Rigger and later as a member of the Asbestos Abatement team.
In 1979, at Mare Island in Vallejo, California, Eli met Julia at a Thanksgiving dinner.
Discovering they had both grown up in Virginia, he told his friend, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.” They were married in November 1986. In 1990, their son Paul was born. After base closures in Northern California, the family relocated to San Diego Naval Station, where Eli worked as an Asbestos Abatement Specialist until retirement.
Eli was an avid gun enthusiast and enjoyed visiting shooting ranges with family and friends. One of his funniest stories involved his son Earl outshooting him using one of Eli’s guns, prompting him to sell it, saying, “I won’t have a gun my son can outshoot me with.” He loved coaching and mentoring Earl and Paul in Pop Warner football.
Eli served as Sunday School Superintendent at Faith Deliverance COGIC under Pastor Carlos Kelly and later as District Sunday School Superintendent under Elder Stephon Rhone. A faithful member of Revival Time COGIC under Bishop Lonnie Lynch, he served as Assistant Men’s Department President and remained active in ministry throughout his life, even during illness.
Jeffrey Eli Hamm completed his earthly assignment on February 14, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul, and his son Jeffrey D.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 39 years, Julia, sister Joyce of Woodbridge, Virginia, daughter Latesha Hollis of Sylmar, California, sons; Earl Morris of Youngsville, North Carolina, and Paul Hamm of El Cajon, California, niece Melissa Worthy of Marietta, Georgia, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.