James “Jim” Hamm was born on December 9, 1937, in Jamestown, ND, to proud parents, Theodore and Doris (Henning) Hamm. His childhood was filled with many memories made in and around the Jamestown community. The beginning of Jim’s schooling was established at St. John’s Academy, which he attended from kindergarten to high school graduation in 1955. He saw fit to continue his education at Jamestown College (UJ) and North Dakota State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967.