James Hamm

James Patrick Hamm, 55, of Oviedo peacefully passed away on April 9, 2023 after a brief illness. Loving son of Maureen and the late James Hamm, beloved father of Joseph (Emily), Kaila (Jeanette), and Allyson (Dane Cheveres), grandfather of Fiona, Tabitha, Skyla, and Miley; also survived by brothers Joseph (Betty), Raymond (Kelly), Kevin (Carina), sister Chelsey (Florian Hauenstein) and devoted friend and former spouse Lorie Hamm.
Jim was born May 9, 1967 in Lackawanna, NY and grew up in Angola, NY, near Buffalo. He graduated from Lake Shore Central High School and the State University of New York at Cobleskill, where he earned a degree in culinary arts as a professional chef. Jim moved to Florida in the late 1980s, raising his family and growing a successful business, Papa Bees Restaurant, in Longwood, that has gained a loyal following for its award-winning Buffalo-style chicken wings.

Jim was a dedicated and loving father who enjoyed family game night, coaching his children's baseball and softball teams, and simply spending time with his wife and kids. He was a force of nature whose passion was cooking and making people laugh. He was incredibly hardworking, generous, and a loyal friend. He loved animals and had several pets throughout his life. Later in life he enjoyed collecting coins and gardening.
Jim also loved fishing and sports, having played baseball and football at Lake Shore High School. He was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame and Syracuse University sports teams, as well as the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills, and New York Yankees.
Jim was laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens in Apopka.

For those wishing to honor Jim, the family requests you please consider registering as an organ donor through the national Donate Life Registry at DonateLifeFlorida.org/Register or RegisterMe.org.