James Deck Hamilton Jr., affectionately known as Strit, was born in Stamps, Arkansas, on December 28, 1941, to Charlyne Yvonne Portlock and James Deck Hamilton Sr. He was the eldest of eight children. Strit received the Lord at a young age and attended Our Lady School. He went on to public school, where he graduated from San Diego High School.
After graduating, Strit went into the Air Force where he served his country well. In 1965 after leaving the Air Force, James was united in holy matrimony to Theresa Ann Batiste also known as Khadijah Muhammad. This union was blessed with five children. Strit became one of the best welders in his field as a journeyman welder. The loves of his life were his guitar, “C.J.”, and his love of music. Strit was a self- taught guitar player, and he had a beautiful cornbread tenor voice. He was a singer on the Sequence Album produced by Ron Rush.
Strit traveled across the country with his guitar and even got an offer from Motown which he politely refused. He also enjoyed playing Dominoes with his best friends David Johnson & Johnny Davis. Strit enjoyed the company of his dear friend Stephanie O’Bryant, and talking to his favorite cousins La Shawn & Consuela. Strit was the best signifier among his friends, and he would keep you laughing. He had a laugh no one will ever forget. Strit was a wonderful, kind, & giving person loved by all. He will be greatly missed.
James transitioned from this life to eternal rest on July 17, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his father James Deck Hamilton Sr., mother Charlyne Yvonne Portlock, brothers; Bobby Hamilton, Michael Hamilton Sr., Huey (Rudy) Hamilton Sr., and James Williams (Cowboy), and sisters; Terry Hamilton Fuller and Demetria Hamilton Boxx Crowder.
James is survived by four sons; Richard Hamilton, Kazi Hamilton, and Elahi Muhammad of San Diego, CA, and Hasiem Hamilton of Texas, daughter Tanika Hamilton of San Diego, CA, brother Dennis Omar Hamilton Sr., sister Angela Hamilton Griffin (Carl) of San Diego, CA, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends to celebrate his life.
