James Robert Hammond IV "Bubba", 15, of Farmington, NM passed away on May 23, 2026. James was born on January 18, 2011, in Farmington, NM to Robbie and Lisa Hammond.

James had just finished his freshman year at Piedra Vista High School with all A's in every class. School came very easy to him. He played football since middle school and proudly wore #71. Which was special because his great-grandfather & uncle played football with that number. He loved weightlifting and was always striving to bulk up. He loved the outdoors - camping, fishing, bike riding, and hiking. He loved building things with his hands. Whether it was out of wood or legos, talking apart thing's and putting them back together. He tried bowling with the school this year and was tossing around the idea of trying tennis.

He loved being outside and seeing anything beautiful-mountains, sunsets, all the beauty in things. He tried wrestling in middle school and left 8th grade with 3rd place in Basin. He continued wrestling in high school, but his ultimate passion was football. He loved everyone he came across and was always concerned for others well-being. He always wanted to make sure he helped with whatever he could. James was always grateful and loved everyone in his life wholeheartedly.

James loved his family; he was a wonderful brother and protector to his sisters. He just received his driving permit and loved practicing in his truck. He was incredibly strong and was always helping carry and put things away. He loved his sweet funny movies, Paul Blart Mall cop, Nacho Libre, football movies, funny cartoons but his top favorite was The Prince of Egypt.

He loved hard and was genuine, caring, hysterical, hardworking, smart, and strong but most importantly loved God.

He loved learning the guitar and had just saved up to buy an electric guitar that he was working on learning. He loved singing along also. He was always looking for ways to earn money and invest. But always offered to pay for something out of his own pocket.

When you want to feel him close, go outside close your eyes & feel that wind hug you, the sunrise or sunset warm your face. He's all around every single person's life he touched & loved.

He is preceded in death by his great-grandparents Bob and Glad Hammond, Odell and Patricia Lamb, Alfonso and Rosa Alvarez, and Gilbert and Lee Campos, and uncle Rodger Hodges.

James is survived by his loving parents Robbie and Lisa Hammond, sisters Andrea and Claire Hammond, grandparents Rob and Shenena Hammond, Richard and Sandi Alvarez, and Linda and Howard Abare, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A public viewing for James will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday June 4, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (400 W Apache St. Farmington, NM 87401).

A service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday June 5, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (400 W Apache St. Farmington, NM 87401). Officiated by Bishop Chris LeSueur. Burial will be at 2:00 PM at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, CO. 

Pallbearers are Manuel Marquez, Gilberto Caro, Aiden Carey, Kosmos Herbig, Brasyn Valencia, Daniel Camarillo, Champ Medina, and Ryland Frank.

Memorials and donations may be made to PVHS Football, contact Coach Howell.