James Lee Hammett, 86, of Dalhart, Texas passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Jim, a lifelong resident of Dalhart, was born during the dustbowl days on February 28, 1935 to Ural Glen "Toots" and Sara Darnall Hammett. Jim attended Dalhart schools and graduated with the class of 1953. He met Betty Davis, the love of his life, and they married in Clayton, NM, on June 17th, 1953. Together they raised three children: Jimbo, Rusty and Tammy. In his early years, Jim was a mechanic and worked at Baileys Motor, and drove a fuel truck for Coop. He then worked for Diamond Shamrock, being hired after the tragic explosion that took the lives of several men. Jim then became employed at Plateau Natural Gas, which later became West Texas Gas. He served as Operations Supervisor for many years and retired after a total of 35 years of service in the gas industry. Jim served the city of Dalhart for 22 years as a volunteer fireman, being chosen as Fireman of the Year on two separate occasions and served a tenure as Assistant Fire Chief, as well. He helped bring the Dalhart Elks BPOE 2390 to life as a charter member and spent many a Saturday night two-stepping with his friends. In his spare time, Jim coached various teams of all ages in both baseball and softball and played many games himself for Western Auto and the Knights of Columbus. Being a lifelong mechanic, he loved everything about cars, engines and Hammett Motorsports Racing. He and Betty bowled in city leagues in th eir younger years, and Jim learned to enjoy golf on his three-hole course. He was an avid sports fan who loved rooting for the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys, but has always bled "purple and gold." This past fall he was honored by DHS, alongside two great-grandsons, as being one of the five generations of the Hammett family to suit up for the Wolf Pack. He was a devoted family man who spent his time watching his kids, grandkids and great grandkids play ball and various other activities. You could always count on him being in the stands cheering on the Wolves and because of that he is known as "The Golden One." Another favorite past time was his yard, and you could often find him shirtless in his cut-off jeans soaking in the vitamin-D amongst his beautiful flowers. He spent his days tinkering in the garage where his most coveted seat was on his furnace, a favorite possession from his childhood. Thanksgiving with "Melvins Shake" and Christmas with endless stockings were two of the traditions that he enjoyed most, and you could always count on a birthday card coming your way from Papa on your special day. He was known for his ornery sense of humor, and his infamous eyebrow raise and roll. Jims house was known as a happy place to spend time and was a refuge for many through the years. Jim, lovingly referred to as "Papa, The Man, The Myth, The Legend" by his family is survived by his three children: Jimbo Hammett and his wife Patti, Rusty Hammett, Tammy Parker and her husband Brian, all of Dalhart. Nine grandchildren: Michael Carter, Jennifer Przilas, Chantel Hammett, Tyler Morin (Elizabeth), Sarah Smith (Tyler), Sadye Casas (JC), Andrea Caskey (Rowdy), Krystole Glover (Jeremy), Drew Parker (Ashlee). Eighteen Great-Grandchildren; Dakota, Taylor, Caleb, Xaviar, Jayden, Trenton, Ashtynne, Amrys, Cylas, Vincent, Sloan, Kelson, Jacee, Bear, Natalee, Aiden, Barrett, Paislee, Paxton and one great-great granddaughter, Aspen, a brother, Ronnie Hammett (Norma), a sister, Sue DeSpain, sister in law, Darlene Hedrick (Dwayne), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, of 31 years, his parents, Toots and Sara Hammett, two brothers, Bill and Glen "PeeWee" Hammett, one sister, Bonnie Stroup, daughter-in-law, Christina Hammett, sisters-in-law, Peggy Davis and JoAnn Ross. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, April 13th at 2 PM at the First Christian Church of Dalhart, Texas, where he was a life-long member. Barry Walker will officiate. Grandsons: Michael, Dakota, Taylor, Tyler, Caleb, Xaviar, Drew and JimBob Matthews, who he counted as one of his own, will be Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are grandsons-in-law: Tyler Smith, JC Casas, Jeremy Glover along with Joebe and Jacky Joe Matthews and Elbert Jones. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Dalhart, Texas. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jim Hammett, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Viewing Horizon Funeral Home Monday, April 12, 2021 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 701 Elm Ave. Dalhart, Texas 79022 Celebration of Life First Christian Church Tuesday, April 13, 2021 2:00 PM 602 Denver Ave. Dalhart, Texas 79022