This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Hammond Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4666/mb.ashx Message Board Post: John Douglas (Jason) Hammond, son of Robert and Elsie Hammond, born March 03, 1946 passed on to his next great adventure on August 22, 2010, after a valiant fight against an Agent Orange-related disease. Born in Oakland, CA, he spent his childhood/teen years in Concord, CA, and felt blessed by his parents taking him camping on weekends and vacations. As a teen, he mastered water skiing, built a hot rod in his parents' garage, and listened to jazz and blues late at night on his transistor radio. He spent some time in college and then enlisted in the Army. After training, he was sent to Vietnam as a combat engineer, where he built landing zones and performed his duty in several fire fights until taking a hit to his shoulder. He received a Purple Heart, and two other medals of honor. He rehabilitated in Tokyo and eventually California. After discharge he became involved in progressive causes including People's Park in Berkeley, CA. He moved to New Mexico and managed a hot springs resort near Lindreth. After that, he worked on geothermal drill rigs in Northern NM before moving to Catron County, where he became a timber thinning contractor. In the late 1970's, he was Catron County's second largest employer. During a major snowstorm in 1978, he chained up the trucks and got his crew off the mountain in knee-deep snow. Later he was part of the restoration of Lincoln's Springfield, IL, home. Although a skilled welder and builder, Jason will be best and most fondly remembered for his passion for music and making it possible for musicians to create and succeed. For nearly two decades, he opened his home on Friday nights for an open jam. He didn't suffer fools lightly, but if you had good manners, his hospitality was generous. Throughout his adult life he worked quietly to improve each community he was part of. Evidence of this would be his early involvement in the Rainbow Family Gatherings, helping promote open-mic nights, and especially, for being Master of Ceremonies at the Silver City Blues Fest from its inception. Sadly, this year he was unable to M.C. due to his illness. He co-founded Barefoot Studio in Arenas Valley, which has produced, mixed and mastered many artists' albums and other recording projects, which honors his tradition of high quality and competence in all his endeavors. A man of charm and physical grace, he looked good on a horse and great on a dance floor, two-stepping and waltzing the night away. His warmth and wit will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant son. He is survived by his son Shawn Hammond, step-daughter Tracy Hodgeman, sister Nancy Hammond, and loving wife Gina Hammond. Cremation has taken place per his request. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 o'clock in the morning on Friday, August 27, 2010 at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the local veteran groups. To send condolences, please login to: www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Silver City Crematory, 3805 Delk Drive. Phone 388-2334. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care". Published in Las Cruces Sun-News from August 25 to August 26, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.