James W. M. Ham
May 25, 1938 ~ October 29, 2016
Born in: Hartford, Connecticut
Dr. James Walter McLean Ham, age 78, of Franklin, died on Friday, October 28th, at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness. Born May 25, 1938, in Hartford, Connecticut, Jim was the son of the late Hazen Belden and Groviene Lou Ella McLean Ham.Jim was a well-known and loved Obstetrician, who delivered more than 11,994 babies during his career. He graduated from Manchester High School in Connecticut in 1956, and went on to attend the University of Virginia, obtaining his undergraduate degree in 1960, and medical degree in 1964. He fulfilled his first year of medical training by completing an internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1965. In 1966, Jim completed a year of General Medicine training at the Amphibious Naval Base also in Little Creek, Virginia. He finished his medical training by successfully completing a 3 year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia.In 1969, immediately following his residency, he was stationed at the Naval Base in Pendelton, California, until 1971. All together, Jim served 7 years in the United States Navy. In 1971, Jim accepted his first job and moved with his family to Miles City, Montana. He was a sole practitioner for two years and in 1973, he moved with his family to Franklin, where he worked until his retirement on July 31, 2012.Jim was a long-time swimmer, swim coach, and leader. When he moved to Franklin, he was instrumental in organizing the Franklin High School swim team at the YMCA. In addition, he was an active board member with the Franklin YMCA, and in 1991 he served as the General Campaign chairman for the million dollar renovation of the Franklin YMCA. Under his leadership, the committee met their fundraising goal and the renovations were completed. In addition, in the late 1970s, Jim was instrumental in the design and construction of the Physicians Building located at the Franklin Hospital. He happily employed most of his children as janitors.In 1978, Jim purchased the homestead of Charles Miller, co-founder of Galena Oil in Franklin. With the help of his family, he restored the land to its original condition and kept its name of Rosemont Farm. He was constantly on the move and his children have fond memories of his many projects on the farm. In the forty years that he lived there, he built and designed two homes and two barns. He bred and rode horses, raised cattle, and even one pig on the farm. He enjoyed riding horses on the trails throughout the acreage.Dr. Ham also dedicated more than 30 years of his life to VARHA, Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association. Because of Jim's vision and commitment to creating a venue for physically challenged to receive therapy through horseback riding, VARHA has become a leading state of the art facility. VARHA began with a small barn and through Jim's tireless efforts and dedication, in 1997, a large indoor riding facility and classroom were built. In 2010, the original barn was renamed the "Dr. James Ham Stable" in honor of his many years of service. Under his leadership, VARHA has grown to serve over 150 riders a year.In addition to his many community activities, Jim loved to downhill ski and work outdoors. He liked to think of himself as a cowboy and a gentlemen farmer. He shared his passions for horses, swimming, and skiing with his family. He demonstrated and passed on his enormous work ethic. Jim loved being a physician and helping people and brought passion to everything he did.Dr. Ham is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Snyder Ham, whom he married August 17, 1985. He is also survived by his 5 sons, James Ham, Jr. (Sharon) of Hudson, Ohio; Scott Ham (Alisa) of Solon, Iowa; Chris Ham (Michelle) of Cape Coral, Florida; Ben Chalot (Talley) of North Attleboro, MA; and Andrew Chalot (Amy) of Blossburg, PA; and his 2 daughters; Schelly Ham Los, (Bob) of Titusville, PA; and Erin Steehler (Mark) of Lakewood, New York.He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren: Kirsten, Morgan, Brittan, Caitlin, Connor, Madissan, Amanda, and Brooke Ham; Talia Starczewski; Alex, Gavin, and Parker Los; Alex Joyce; Wyatt, Peyton, and Jamison Chalot; William Steehler, and an unborn grandson, who is expected to be born on December 12, 2016.Dr. Ham is additionally survived by his brother, Belden Ham of Columbiana, Ohio; his special friends, Bill McGrail and Marilyn Gabrys; his extended family who he dearly loved; and his "office girls" from Franklin Women's Health, who have remained a part of his family since his retirement.In addition to his parents, Dr. Ham was preceded in death by his father-in-law, George Snyder; and his brother-in-law, Don Snyder.Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1st. Funeral Services will be held at the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren in Christ Church on Wednesday, November 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Small, retired church pastor, officiating. Private family Interment will be at Old Sandy Cemetery.AseraCare Hospice recently held a memorial ceremony, at his home, honoring his military service to America.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to VARHA – 150 Wagner Drive, Franklin PA 16323; The Kirtland Foundation – PO Box 108, Franklin PA 16323; Franklin YMCA -- 111 West Park Street, Franklin PA; and/or Oil City YMCA -- 7 Petroleum Street, Oil City PA.To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com
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My deepest condolences to Dr. Ham’s family. He was a wonderful doctor! He delivered all 3 of my children. I would always call him “captain” . He will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers to you all. RIP DR. HAM!
In the early 90’s when I was quite young and coaching the Y swim team, I had a horrible ear infection. Dr Ham told me to go to his office and he’d help me. When my answer to the receptionist about why I was there was, “I have an ear ache”, the look on her face was priceless. I’m actually shocked she didn’t burst out laughing! I’m sure there cannot be too many people going to the OBGYN doctor for an ear ache! He helped me that day and I never forgot that kindness!
My thoughts and prayers are with you Marilyn and your family. May God give peace in your time of sorrow and loss. Larry and Cindy
Such a wonderful man, friend ,and Boss. Working with him was an awesome opportunity. He was not only your boss but your friend when you needed one. Memories a few come to mind working in OB you always knew when some one had a little boy ,he would announce we got to balls and a bat. He was a very dedicated Doctor even when he was down and out. I remember one time when he hurt his back and in the hospital, they put him on the Ob Floor in the private room and he would work from there still giving out orders. Now that is dedication. But thats just how he was. He was loved by many. When he retired you thought the world was coming to the end because his patients loved and respected him that much. He always had a smile on his face and first thing he would say to all of the staff in the office every morning wasGood morning and how is everybody doing today. The thing about that is he really did want to know how you were doing. He would always come up to lunch and chat with the staff .one of his favorite lunch time meals was diet coke and crackers with a combination of cheese whiz,peanut butter and jelly and tuna fish . Yes that’s right! You will be missed my dear friend but not forgotten. Cindy
Dr. Ham was a wonderful Dr. He was very good at what he did. He has operated on me twice and he did a great job. He sure will be missed. Sorry to his family for his loss. He was a wonderful man.
Such an amazing man and Doctor. Such a kind soul. Delivered my daughter 10 years ago. Such a sweetheart. My prayers and condolences to his family.
Dr Ham was a wonderful & caring doctor. He delivered my son Michael in 1975 RIP Dr. Ham
Please accept our condolences and prayers for your family during this time
My youngest son was his last delivery he was one of the nicest guys I know I will never forget him
You will be missed. My prayers of comfort for your family.
My condolences and prayers for Marilyn, his chidren,grandchildren, and extended family members. I have so many wonderful memories of Dr. Ham, I would not know where to begin. He loved his work and his patients. I remember one event in particular, being on his swim team at the YMCA of Franklin many years ago, along with three other co-workers. He always teased me about that since I wore a little white bikini to a swim meet!!! He was an excellent teacher also, he always would go the extra mile to answer questions and be of help to all. He will be missed, and I know the angels were waiting at the open gates for him to enter, may you Rest in Peace my friend.
I became his patient in 1979. He always made me feel so special on my yearly exams. Such a bedside manner. Don’t know how he knew what happened in my life during the year but somehow he knew, when I left his office I was on cloud nine.
So sorry for the loss of this generous man. Blessings to the family and extended family. He will be missed.
Diane S. Knight
So sorry to read about the passing of Dr. Ham.Deepest sympathy to Marilyn and the entire Ham family.I have too many fond and wonderful memories to share here and now. I will treasure those memories forever.He was a wonderful man and surgeon.I learned alot working with him in the O.R.,I was blessed to have the honor of working with him for many years.May God comfort his family during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers. Penny Jalosky,Myrtle Beach,SC
So very sorry for your loss. He was such a kind, caring man, and a wonderful doctor. I’ll be thinking of your family in the days ahead.
Wendy Garbacz
Our deepest sympatric to the Ham family. He was very well liked by all. The James Baughman Family
Marilyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a special person and wii be remembered fondly by many. May God bless and comfort you during this terrible time.
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Ham’s passing. He was a wonderful doctor who delivered 3 of my children. He will be greatly missed.
Such a wonderful Doctor. He delivered my daughter 24 years ago. R.I.P Dr. Ham
You will be missed greatly….. (I think we figured out a few months ago, I was probably delivery #565-898)
Dearest Marilyn, Ben, Talley, Wyatt, and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing this afternoon. I have special memories of our conversations together at Mohican State Lodge this past May, when Meggie and Tony got married. There’s no doubt Jim was a remarkable man and will remain in our hearts forever. He touched so many lives through his kind and generous heart, his caring nature, his profession, his charitable work, and the passion he had for day to day life. Please know all of you are in my prayers during this sad & difficult time. I hope with time, the loving memories you have of Jim will bring you comfort and peace.
With my deepest condolences & with much love,
Amy Withrow
(Talley & Ben’s Aunt and Wyatt’s, Great-Aunt)
We met Dr. Ham in his medical field. He delivered one of my children. He was one of the most loving and compassionate doctors I have ever met, with an impeccable bedside manner. We will truly miss him, he brought joy and many smiles to our family.
Dr. Ham a Wonderful Person with a smile that never stopped…. So Caring for every person he met In the Delivery of All 3 of my daughters he was a not just a doctor but a Real Person.. may you Rest in Peace Dear Friend My Thoughts and Prayers to your Family..
I was privileged to work with this man for many years . He had a fantastic bedside manner with his patients! I learned a lot as a OB nurse from him. He will be sadly missed!
.
Dr. Ham I have nothing but fond memories of the old days of 4-H Go Win Gold . Thank you for helping to bring my babies into this world and always being so pleasant. May God bring peace to your family.
So sorry for your loss. My thought’s are with you Marilyn and your family. What an honor and pleasure to meet you and Jim
You were a wonderful doctor and such a kind man. You delivered many Babin my family including my son. My thought are with your family and friends. You will be greatly missed 🙁 ?
I cannot express how sad I feel. He totally changed my life. Just knowing him ; such a caring man, wonderful doctor and the best boss a person could have . So understanding and giving. He will be dearly missed. Love and God bless. Larry & Marlene
Our family has many fond memories of Dr. Ham. He delivered 2 of my 5 children. Two of my children were close friends of his children. I considered him a friend and he will be missed by many of us. Heartfelt sympathy sent to his family…they can be so proud of him….
I’m just one among the thousands of mothers who were very grateful to Dr. Ham for two amazing deliveries of my son and daughter. Also am pleased to have been able to get to know Jim better through VARHA and the volunteering I was fortunate to help with a few years. He will be missed by many and loved. Thoughts with the family and Marilyn.
Marilyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Both of you were at the birth of my first son. And Dr Ham was a wonderful person to have worked with. You are in my thoughts.
He was a wonderful Boss and Mentor. He always had a smile and a kind word. I only had the pleasure of working for him 3 years, but he defiantly touched my life and I will never forget him. His patients loved him because he always took the time to catch up and truly listened to them and their family issues. He was not just a wonderful doctor, but a friend to many.
Laurie Hosey
Very sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a great Dr. and down to earth person. We will be praying for you Marilyn, and your family. He was my favorite Dr. He always had a smile on his face whenever I ran into him or saw him anywhere. May God be with you at this time and may He comfort your heart and soul.
Tom and Becky Hays
This man was on the team of Doctors who saved my life and my son’s life… He was a God send to us. I’ll never forget him, his kindness, or how he helped keep me calm during my illness. His family is in my thoughts and prayers, how truly blessed he was to have them and they were to have him.
Schelly, Marilyn and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You are all in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Love Denise Long Guilinger
Dr. Ham was a kind and gentle soul, and always gave a friendly and warm hello. I am so grateful to have known him through my years at VARHA, and so very grateful for all he did to ensure we could continue to serve our riders in a great facility, with wonderful horses, and educated staff. He was always a voice of reason and support, and I am forever thankful for the kindness and support he showed me throughout my years at VARHA. Praying for God’s blessings and comfort to his family, dear friends, and all who loved him, as we grieve the passing of this wonderful man.
Dr. HAM delivered my son and he was a wonderful Dr and person. I am so sorry for your loss Marilyn. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I actually met Dr. Ham by accident.in 1986. MY OB Dr. was out of town when I went into labor at 28 weeks. I remember rushing to the hospital and was told they were assembling the O.R team and Dr Ham was on call. He was so calm and kind and delivered our 4lb 8oz boy with no problems. He will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to his family. May God comfort you and dry your tears as you grieve . Selena and Frédéric Stevens
Marilyn I’m so sorry for your loss! Dr. Ham was the best , he delivered both my sons and did a great job at it with his sense of humor! When I was delivering my last son the nurse told me they might be sending me home ,when Dr. Ham came into my room I said Dr. Ham I’m not leaving until I have my baby ! He just laughed and said don’t worry Cindy you’ll have your baby tonight! My heart goes out to you no to your family ! I’m so sorry when I saw you yesterday I didn’t know! God Bless you all and Rest In Peace Dr. Ham! You will be missed!
Although I had not seen Dr. Ham for years, he was a significant person in my teen years and as a young professional. I was blessed with the most amazing group of friends while in Franklin, including Jim, Jr. Dr. Ham allowed us to camp on his land and kept a fatherly eye on all of us. He was at most of our games and was a visible presence at school functions as he supported his kids and their friends. He was kind and helpful when I began my career as a physical therapist at Franklin Hospital. Sending warmest Aloha to his family as we grieve with you. Blessings, Janet Moffitt Crosier
I had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors with Dr. Ham many years ago. He was very dedicated to the mission of VARHA and vital in their success. I have one daughter who benefited from being a rider in the therapeutic program. I have another daughter who volunteered at VARHA .
He delivered two of our children. He was also willing to offer advice about our granddaughter and her desire to be on swim team at the Franklin YMCA. He would give her a little pep talk when we would run into him out and about in the area. Dr. Ham will be missed.
Marilyn and family I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. May God Bless and watch over you.
Dr. Ham delivered my first born son. He was a great Dr. and an even greater man. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
I am so sorry for you Marilyn & family for the passing of Dr. Ham. He was not only a wonderful person but a great doctor. Heaven got another Angel. God Bless & Rest In Peace!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with your Family at this time. May God give you the strength at this sad time. May God Bless. Melinda Snyder
Dr. Ham delivered my son in 1988. We loved Dr. Ham. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family… <3
I had the privilege of not only working with Jim for many years, but also to be able to call him a treasured friend. I will miss you but am grateful for the time I got to spend with You, Marilyn and their families. I love you Marilyn, and am glad I will always be his point 9. Rest in peace my dear, sweet friend.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Ham. He was a very special man. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Watson
I had the pleasure to work with Dr. Ham for many years in the Obstetric Dept. at both the Franklin and Seneca hospitals and have many wonderful memories of that time. I remember the kindness and compassion he gave me and my family during our tragedy—this was who he was, a gentle patient and compassionate person. May God pass the same kindnesses to his grieving family and may their “hurt” be eased by wonderful memories made. Dear friend may you rest in peace and find comfort well deserved. Pat Jolley
I am so saddened by this news. Without Dr. Ham I would not have had my two children. I will be forever grateful for his gentleness, kindness, and professional knowledge. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy to his loving family.
DeAnna Hook
Dear Marilyn and family,
My sincere sympathy goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Smith
Marilyn and family, Gaylord and I send our condolences and prayers for your loss. As you know we are forever grateful for Dr. Ham and you , Marilyn, for the caring and quick response that allowed us to have our daughter. Without your help we most likely would not have her today. Wonderful, caring man. God bless you and your family. Sending our love.
Please accept our sincere sympathy. There is no doubt he will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Dear Marilyn and Family,
I was so saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. We were in the trenches of UVA Medical School among 70 some odd other students. Jim was such a joy to be around during those difficult days, and I am not surprised that he went on to the the long list of accomplishments during and after his practice lifetime.
Please know that there are many beyond Franklin who share in your sadness at this time, and I pray that you will sustained by some of the fond and precious memories that Jim leaves behind to his large and loving family.
Martin Adelman, MD
In 2000 he and the staff of Franklin Hospital saved my life after I had a sundowning issue many hours after my surgery. He was a great doctor and a great listener.