James Lesley Hamler, Jr.

James Lesley. Hamler Jr., a native of Purvis, Mississippi, went home to sing in the heavenly choir July 21, 2025. Born April 7, 1972, to James Lesley Hamler Sr. and Fannie Lois he leaves behind sisters Stephanie Myers (Ricky) Jackie Page, Annie Hamler of Mississippi and brother Rodney Hamler (Zina) of Atlanta nieces and nephews Tamirra Page, Ebonie Page, Kaitlyn Arrington, Kalib Page, Tre’ Hamler, Raheem Hamler, Landen Hamler, Gaibreanna Smith, Anner Burris, and Shlissa Porter to cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents.

James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Spring Chapel Baptist Church in Purvis, Mississippi. He began singing for the Lord at Spring Chapel at the age of five. At the age of eight he began his music career traveling with D and N Productions as a gospel singer throughout the southeastern United States. At the age of ten, Rev. Hamler began playing piano at his home church Spring Chapel. Starting his own singing group at the age of 14, Rev. Hamler and his group performed around Mississippi singing in many venues. At the age of sixteen James joined the Gospel Music Workshop of America (New Orleans Chapter) and began what would become a major shift in his career by becoming a prolific songwriter. Rev. Hamler is known for pinning “Jesus I Love You” recorded by Derrick McDuffey and Kingdom Sound, “God Gave Me a Song” recorded by Nazarene Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, “Hold On” recorded by Psalmist Angela White Carter, “Come On in This House” recorded by Sovereign Chorale, “Let All the People Praise His Name” performed by the 2019 Gospel Night Choir with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. He also organized, wrote several songs for, and performed with the gospel music group Total Grace.

Rev. James Hamler, singer, songwriter, also became a well-known choir director with his years spent directing the choir for the Mississippi Baptist State Convention. James directed the state choir for nine years until moving to Evansville, IN and becoming Minister of Music for Nazarene Baptist Church. Nazarene celebrated Rev. Hamler’s 25th year of service in October 2024 with a packed-out community concert. He was ordained a minister by his pastor Rev. Larry A. Rascoe Sr. of the Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church in 2016.

Rev. Hamler’s tenure in Evansville includes additional recording projects featuring Nazarene Sanctuary Choir and friends, organizing multiple Gospel Nights as a fundraiser for Joshua Academy Schools, working with the GMWA-Evansville, additional work with the Evansville Philharmonic, New Hope Music Academy, Unity Choir in collaboration with the Evansville African American Museum, Christian Fellowship Church’s summer music camps and many musical collaborations throughout the tri-state area.

While singing the gospel was Rev. Hamler’s primary focus, James also advocated for and participated in many community organizations in various capacities: CAJE-Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment, Potter’s Wheel Ministry where he utilized his skills as a master chef serving nutritious delicious meals, L.O.C.K.-Learners of Christ the King, Westside Pastors, Minority Student Achievement Initiative, Soup and Socks-serving our homeless. In 2025, Rev. Hamler also celebrated twenty-two years of preaching the Gospel.

Rev. Hamler was always thankful for his supportive parents, the late Rev. James Hamler Sr. and Fannie Hamler, the support of his siblings, the continued support of his pastor the Rev. Larry A. Rascoe Sr., his Nazarene Missionary Baptist church family, and close friends.

And in the favorite words of Rev. Hamler, “To God Be the Glory for the Things That He Has Done!”

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Joshua Academy Pre-School or the Potter's Wheel.