James H.P. Hamilton ’53

James H.P. Hamilton ’53, of Lambertville, N.J.; Feb. 2, from complications of diabetes. In 1956, following service in the U.S. Army, he founded Design Associates, a scenic design and set-building studio, from which he produced numerous Broadway shows. He later taught theater production at NYU and Brandeis Univ. In the early 1980s he opened the Jim Hamilton & Co. architectural design studio, designing restaurants, homes, and commercial projects. In 1979 he designed a master plan for Lambertville’s commercial district and in 1988 opened his own restaurant, Hamilton’s Grill Room, with his daughter. He helped to create the Shad Fest annual event celebrating the federal Clean Water Act and on Sept. 17, 2005, the State of New Jersey and City of Lambertville declared it Jim Hamilton Day. He also enjoyed cooking and taught cooking classes in a local prison. He is survived by his wife, Judy; two daughters; a son; two stepchildren; seven grandchildren; a brother; and nieces and nephews.