Mohawk –Mt. Airy, NC James Ray Hammond, 87, of Mt. Airy, NC, formerly of Mohawk passed away Sunday April 28, 2013 at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Jim was born in Herkimer County on May 7, 1925 the son of the late Earl and Marguerite Egan Hammond, and received his education in the Mohawk Schools. Jim served his county in the US Marines during WW2, serving in the South Pacific. In 1947 he was united in marriage to the former Ruth Kirby, she has predeceased Jim. Jim worked as an apprentice under his father as a Tool and Die Maker in Remington Typewriter in Ilion. As a young man bred, trained and showed Blue Merle Collies. Jim served as Mayor of the Village of Mohawk from March 7, 1967 to March 3, 1969 and was very active in the Republican Party both in the Village, County and State all of his life. While a resident of Mohawk Jim owned and operated the Redwood Drive Inn Restaurant in Mohawk on West Main St. for several years. In 1988 Jim was united in marriage to the former Carol O’Connor. Jim had resided in Mt. Airy since 2002. Jim is survived by his wife Carol Leya Hammond of the home, two daughters Egan Hammond and Jama Hammond both of Charlotte, NC , stepsons and daughter is law Tim and Christine O’Connor of Clemmons, NC., Chris and Barbara O’Connor of Sarasota, FL, grand children Sarah and Joseph O’Connor, Samantha and Kristina O’Connor, also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife Jim was preceded in death by his sisters Ida Jane Hammond Quackenbush, and Herberta Hammond Daley. A memorial service will be held for Jim on Friday September 6, 2013 at 11am at the Grace Episcopal Church in Mohawk with Rev. William Wheeler officiating. Interment will follow in the Mohawk Cemetery, with military honors. In lieu of flowers friends are asked to consider memorials to St Michael the Archangel 2211 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC. 28105. Arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego Street Ilion. To light a candle, please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com