Jim Hamlin

James Walden "Jim" Hamlin, age 69 of Springville, TN, died Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at his residence.

Jim was a retired dolphin trainer for Sea World and Santini’s Porpoise Shows. He had the privilege of traveling the United States and the world doing that type of work.  Jim trained a dolphin named Mitzi who was Flipper in the movie “Flipper”. He formerly owned and operated a marine repair shop in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and  he enjoyed raising exotic birds.

Born March 22, 1948, in Middletown, Ohio, he was the son of the late James Edward Hamlin and the late Wanda Mae Lowe Hamlin.

He married Betsy Pierce Hamlin on January 18, 2003, and she survives of Springville, TN.   Along with his wife, Jim is survived by his one son, Brian Edward Smoot of Aberdeen, OH; one daughter, Kristie (Corey) Gutgsell of Henderson, TN; one sister, Martha (Jimmy) Thomas of Brookville, IN; one brother, Danny (Sue) Hamlin of Monroe, OH; four grandchildren, Joshua Gutgsell, Ryan Whirley, Nicole Whirley and Shelby Hurbis; two great grandchildren, Owen Porter and Kylan Hurbis; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.   His body is to be cremated.  A graveside memorial service will be held in Carlisle, OH at a later date.