James P. Hart, 75, made career in golf industry
December 20, 2024
James Patrick Hart of Pawleys Island died Dec. 12 at his home with his family at his side. He was 75.
He was born Nov. 14, 1949, in Oak Ridge, Tenn., the son of Robert and Barbara Hart. Jim was an Army ROTC commissioned officer and business administration graduate from Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. Following his Army service he went to work for the Regency division of Hyatt Hotels in Knoxville, Tenn.
Mr. Hart moved to Myrtle Beach in 1974 to manage the Yachtsman Resort Inn, becoming the first employee of Leonard, Call & Associates. Business ventures and development that followed included the Sea Crest Motor Inn, Panama Jack Enterprises and 82 Queen of Charleston.
Most of his years in Myrtle Beach and Pawleys were spent in the golf industry. Mr. Hart was the founder of Balltec and Southern Dunes Golf & Travel, which was the originator of the National Father & Son Team Classic. With the development of the internet and golf marketing platforms, publishing became his passion. He created the Golfer’s Guide publication and website.
The Hart family moved to Pawleys Island in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo where Mr. Hart and his wife, Alicia, had opened Pawleys Island Wear at the Hammock Shops in 1987.
Mr. Hart was a founding member and first president of Pawleys Plantation Golf Club. He loved all sports, but youth sports especially, and was active in First Tee and coaching recreation baseball. In more recent years, he was (in his own words) a “would be” duplicate bridge player and an admirer of the many other fine players in the Pawleys Island area.
He and his family were members of All Saints Episcopal Church for 31 years, where he was active in the Kairos and Cursillo ministries. More recently, he worshiped at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church.
He especially loved his grandchildren and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. He was also thankful for the many partners and close friends that God has poured into his life. Their passion and warmth made his life very full and exciting. Above all, he was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Ryan (Beth), and his daughter, Lindsey Kirby (Adam); his grandsons, Tucker Hart, Connor Hart, Abel Kirby and Eli Kirby; his brother, John Hart (Francie) of Knoxville; and his sisters, Maureen Hart (Marta) of Seattle, and Margo Krakoviak (Sam) of Knoxville.
Due to the approaching holidays, the family held a small, private service. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church, 88 Baskervill Dr., Pawleys Island, S.C. 29585.
Dr. Craig J. Hamilton, 77, retired from dentistry
December 20, 2024
Dr. Craig John Hamilton of Murrells Inlet died Dec. 9 at his home surrounded by his wife, Jill, and his children Lindsay and Christian. He was 77.
He was born April 30, 1947, in Minneapolis, the son of Lila Marie Herberg Hamilton and Clayton John Hamilton. Craig graduated from Mounds View High School, where he was known for his love of singing and golf. He lettered in tennis and cross country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the Xi Psi Phi fraternity.
Dr. Hamilton served in the Army with the rank of major from 1972 to 1978. He was stationed in Okinawa.
Dr. Hamilton had a private dental practice in St. Paul, Minn., and did volunteer children’s dentistry throughout South Minneapolis. He sold his private practice and worked at Metro Dental.
He moved to Pawleys Island in 2010 and continued his dentistry work at Small Smiles in Myrtle Beach and then at the Sexton Clinic in Florence and Myrtle Beach. He retired in 2015.
Dr. Hamilton was remembered for treating each of his patients with genuine respect.
He loved to golf, read, play cajon (Peruvian slap drum), sing and watch the birds.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Trinka; his sister, Linda Marie Hamilton Senta, of Duluth, Minn.; his children, Lindsay Marie Bjorkstrand of Farmington, Minn., Christian John Hamilton of Maple Grove, Minn., and Robert Hamilton Smith of Corcoran, Minn.; and his grandchildren, Charley Ryan Bjorkstrand, Conner John Anderson, Claire Louise Bjorkstrand, Ayden Hunter Hamilton and Liam Edward Hamilton.
A celebration of his life was held Dec. 12 at Burroughs Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to your local hospice.
Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.
