James A Hamilton

James A. Hamilton, 77, of Newton, MA, passed away in his home on October 10, his loving wife of 42 years by his side. He was a scientist, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather; colleague and friend to many; accomplished pianist and photographer; nature enthusiast; and international traveler. He is survived by his wife, Malinda Hamilton; daughter, Lianna Chong; son, Guy Hamilton; beloved grandsons Isaiah Chong (8 years) and Theodore Chong (4 years); siblings, John Hamilton, Dorothy Hamilton, and Martha Sherman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dr. Hamilton was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania on October 21, 1947 to Joseph and Margaret Hamilton. He graduated from Juniata College in 1969 and earned his PhD in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 1974. In 1978, Hamilton was recruited to the Boston University School of Medicine to establish an NMR Facility which he developed into a state of the art research laboratory. He retired from Boston University as a full professor in 2023.

Throughout his long career, Dr. Hamilton was motivated by compassion and a desire to help people. Dr. Hamilton’s contributions to chemistry and medicine endure through hundreds of published papers with over 18,000 citations. Dr. Hamilton strove to ensure his research would translate into preventative treatment, leading him to co-found Elucid, a Boston-based company at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation. He remained an active researcher until the end and never lost his passion for the next paper, conference, or scientific discussion. 

A Funeral and Celebration of Life will take place at Boston University Marsh Chapel, Saturday October 25, 11 AM.