James "Dudley" Hamm, age 81 of Hickory, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his residence. He was born Wednesday, June 7, 1944 in Lake, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel. Burial will follow in Meehan Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bro. William Savell will officiate.

Mr. Hamm was a native of Scott County and educated in the Lake School System. He was a retired road foreman for Lauderdale County. Favorite past times were rabbit hunting and getting together with his friends at the Chunky River on the weekends. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Wilkerson Hamm; his parents, John and Ruby Hamm and three brothers, Ernest Hamm, infant Jesse Hamm and infant Doyle Hamm.

Survivors include his daughters, Michelle Hamm of Meridian and Renee Hamm of Brandon; two brothers, David Hamm (Betty) of Jackson and Jerry Hamm (Linda) of Union; two sisters, Liz Butts (Dub) of Union and Jane Hamm of Union; one sister-in-law, Deborah Hamm of Union; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Justice Smith, Jordan Smith, Steve Smith, Sam Gressett, Dickie Alsup, and Chris Freeman.

Newton County Funeral Home - South is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com