James Ryland Hamlett, Jr.

James “Jay” Ryland Hamlett, Jr., 51, of Victoria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026. Jay was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend whose quiet strength, kindness, and deep faith touched all who knew him.

Above all else, Jay loved his children with his whole heart. He is survived by his beloved children, James Ryland Hamlett, III, and Kathleen Anne Hamlett. He is also survived by his loving mother, Anne Cordle Hamlett; his sister, Meri Page Spencer; his brother-in-law, Cal Spencer; and his former wife, Liz Hamlett. Jay was preceded in death by his father, James Ryland Hamlett, Sr. Jay also will be remembered with love by his many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jay graduated from Central High School in 1992 and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, where he majored in Illustration, in 1998. For more than 25 years, he faithfully served as a dedicated employee of Walmart, where he was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and the friendships he formed with coworkers and customers alike.

A gifted and creative soul, Jay was a talented artist who expressed himself through many mediums, but was known best for his pen and ink. Jay was an Eagle Scout and found great joy in the outdoors. He was a life-long Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox fan. He cherished the time spent hunting and fishing with his son Jamie. He was equally proud to watch his daughter Katie Anne play softball, celebrating her accomplishments with the quiet pride of a loving father. Most meaningful to Jay was the time he spent attending Victoria Christian Church with his children, worshipping his Lord and Savior and living out his faith in everyday life. Jay was a Trustee of the Victoria Christian Church.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Victoria Christian Church, with visitation in the church fellowship hall beginning at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. The family also will receive visitors from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Spencer home, 3309 Jonesboro Road, Kenbridge, Virginia 23944.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Christian Church at P.O. Box 786, Victoria, VA 23974 or Victoria Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1419, Victoria, VA 23974.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caring members of Victoria Christian Church who lovingly transported Jay to and from his leukemia treatments. Special thanks are extended to Joan Zava, Nancy Nowlin, and Tanya Flynn for their devoted care and kindness during his illness.

Though Jay’s passing brings deep sorrow, his family finds comfort in the promise of his faith.

“O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? … Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57

Jay’s gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and enduring love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he is dearly missed, his family takes comfort in knowing he has entered his eternal home, “a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1.