James Blair Hammond, 72, of Urbana died at 2:46 p.m., June 1, 2009, at home.

A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Eastlawn Cemetery in Urbana. Rev. Curtis Rush will officiate. There will be no visitation. Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory 1900 S. Philo Rd. Urbana is handling the arrangements.

Blair Hammond was born September 18, 1936 in Danville, IL a son of Carroll H. and Veva Blair Hammond. He married Patsy L. Rush on October 13, 1957 in Urbana. She preceded him in death on February 2, 2005.

Mr. Hammond is survived by a son Brad Hammond of Urbana, a daughter Maribeth Gentry of WA, and three grandchildren Meghan Gentry, Andrea Gentry, and Jennifer Gentry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Robert and Richard Hammond, and a sister Carolyn Moran.

Blair Hammond was a member of the Lions Club of Urbana for 33 years; he served as District Governor from 1991 to 1992 and over the years he had held every position at the Urbana club. He served in the Navy from 1955 to 1962. He was the Parts Manager for Buick, and then worked for Worden Marin delivering parts. Blair was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Urbana where he served in a variety of leadership roles and most recently was the van driver for the church. He was a diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Illini and never missed a game.

Memorials may be made to the Lions Club and to the Blair Hammond Memorial Fund at First Federal Bank. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.