of Harrison, AR
May 4, 1922 - April 1, 2015
John Paul Hammerschmidt, 92, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away April 1, 2015, at Regency Hospital in Springdale, Arkansas, with son, John Arthur, at his bedside. He was born May 4, 1922, in Harrison, to Arthur Paul and Junie M. (Taylor) Hammerschmidt, and was the second of five children.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Virginia (Sharp), in 2006; his parents; his sisters Zita Causey and husband Fred, Elaine Masterson and husband Rue, and Elizabeth Winham and husband Ross; his brother Robert A. Hammerschmidt.
Survivors include son John Arthur Hammerschmidt of Harrison; sister-in-law Imogene Hammerschmidt of Springfield, Mo.; nephews Robert A. Hammerschmidt Jr. and wife Melinda of Springfield, Mo., Mike Masterson of Fayetteville, Ark., Grant Masterson of Denton, Tex., Mitchell Sharp Jr. and wife Linda of Austin, Tex., and John Sharp of Webb City, Mo.; nieces Beth Nixon and husband Allen of Jonesboro, Ark., Susan Hammerschmidt of Bedford, Tex., Gaye Lindberg of Santa Fe, N.M., and Becky Widner of Horseshoe Bay, Tex.
John Paul, as folks best knew him, was raised with his four siblings on a small farm along the banks of Crooked Creek on the outskirts of Harrison. He graduated from Harrison High School at age 15 and then, at age 16, attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. After one year at The Citadel, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. He later requested and received a change in that appointment to allow him to attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point one year later with a good friend from Harrison. During the interim period, he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. In December 1941, he traveled to California to visit a cousin, the Japanese had just bombed Pearl Harbor and John Paul decided to start working at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo to become involved in the war effort. He worked on many ships, as a pipe cover insulation helper, including one damaged during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He also worked at the submarine base there.
He then made the pivotal decision to forego West Point and join the Army Air Corps and begin pilot training. After pilot training, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and promptly volunteered for missions overseas. He was assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater, where he flew 217 combat missions as a pilot for the Third Combat Cargo Group. In addition to ''flying the Hump'' (the eastern Himalayan Mountains), he flew many air drop missions close to the ground in Burma to supply special operations jungle warfare units such as Merrill's Marauders and the Mars Task Force. He also air dropped O.S.S. agents behind enemy lines into China. For his service in World War II, he was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Air Medal with four oak-leaf clusters, three battle stars, and the China War Memorial Medal (by the Republic of China). He then served his country in the Air Force Reserves and retired as a major, after twenty years of service. He was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
After the war, he continued his college career at Oklahoma A&M College, now Oklahoma State University, until an illness in the family brought him home to Harrison to assume control of the family lumber business. He courted and married Virginia ''Ginny'' Ann Sharp in 1948, and they had one son, John Arthur.
John Paul was by profession a lumberman, builder and building supplies businessman for twenty years before seeking public office. He served as President of both the Arkansas Lumber Dealers Association and the four-state Southwestern Lumbermen's Association. Although he was kept busy running Hammerschmidt Lumber Company, he was active in the community including serving on the Harrison City Council for 8 years and as President of the Harrison Rotary Club.
He was also active behind the scenes in the Arkansas Republican Party. By 1966, he was the chairman of the party and the party needed a candidate to oppose a 22-year Democrat incumbent in the Third Congressional District. Eventually he was asked if he would make the attempt to unseat the popular congressman. He won the 1966 campaign with 53 percent of the vote, becoming the first Arkansas Republican sent to Washington since Reconstruction.
John Paul served in the U.S. Congress for 26 years, during the administrations of six presidents, including George Herbert Walker Bush with whom he created a close friendship as freshmen congressmen that lasted through his lifetime. He became particularly well known for his attention to individual constituent service and communication; his high voting and attendance records at Congressional sessions during the business week, plus routine working-weekends visiting with constituents in Arkansas; as well as his legislative expertise in highway, airway and water infrastructure and in veterans matters. His affection for and dedication to veterans' needs and issues made him a respected and beloved member of their ranks nationally. Among his many accomplishments in public office, he was the author and initiating sponsor of the Public Law preserving the Buffalo River as a free-flowing stream, adding it to the National Park System in 1972. He was also the original sponsor of congressional authorization for a national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
After retiring from Congress, John Paul continued to be involved in public service in Arkansas, maintaining local offices in Harrison to continue helping others in need. He served on the boards of the North Arkansas Medical Foundation and the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas. He chaired the Northwest Arkansas Council, the March of Dimes Citizen of the Year Dinner, and the Governor's Citizens Council on Highways and Transportation.
He was a ''lifetime trustee'' of the University of the Ozarks at Clarksville and a former chairman of the board of trustees at Arkansas State University. The University of Arkansas also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree.
After leaving Congress, he also served on the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery to our Nation's Veterans, the Congressional Medal of Honor Commission and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
John Paul served on the boards of four Arkansas-based corporations: American Freightways, Bear State Financial, Dillard's and Southwestern Energy Company.
He was an ordained elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church and a lifetime member of his home church. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and was awarded the prestigious ''Grand Cross of the Court of Honor.''
John Paul believed we are all put on earth to serve others and he lived a long and full life guided by that core principle. A daily prayer of his was ''Lord, help me to overcome pride and self-concern, and always help me to be mindful of the needs of others.''
Of all his accomplishments through life, John Paul's dedication to his family, his country, his state, his hometown community and his Lord never wavered.
He was kind, compassionate and always willing to make time for others. He lived each day with grace, humor and caring for what mattered. He will be missed immeasurably.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2015 (which would have been John Paul's 93rd Birthday,) at the First Presbyterian Church, 220 Arbor Drive, in Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Harrison Building Fund.
Visitation will be at 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Conference Center at North Arkansas College (South Campus) in Harrison.
A graveside service with military honors will be Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. in Harrison's Maplewood Cemetery.
Sign Guestbook
43 Condolence(s)
Harry Simpson
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Rest John, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army Air Force, WWII. Distinguished Flying Cross recipient.
Tina Wilburn Stoddard
Friday, May 8, 2015
John Arthur,
My heart goes out to your and your family. I know loosing a loved one is so very difficult. My prayers are with you.
Tina Wilburn Stoddard
Frances Ogle
Monday, May 4, 2015
Gods Blessing to family. We will all miss this fine leader and good neighbor. He stands tall in the public service people as always remembering his roots. At Compton we must forever be grateful for our public water which he helped us get.
Fred Kirkpatrick
Monday, May 4, 2015
John Arthur,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family over the loss of your Dad. I enjoyed our visit at the Evening on the Plaza last Friday; you were very gracious in what I know is a difficult time in your life. Your Dad was a special man who treated everyone with dignity and respect. A true example for us all.
Fred Kirkpatrick
LeAnn Fowler-Norris
Monday, May 4, 2015
He was a wonderful man. My prayers & sympathies for the family.
Bill and Tammy Boswell
Monday, May 4, 2015
John Arthur, I am so sorry for your loss. We have read many of the entries in the Guestbook and it has reaffirmed what Tammy and I already knew. Your Dad was a wonderful man that is going to be missed. Our thoughts and prayers with you and all of the family.
Bill & Sharon Capps
Sunday, May 3, 2015
John Arthur,
Our deepest sympathies to you. Your father was a wonderful man and will truly be missed by so many.
Bill & Sharon
Jerry and Karen Hardesty
Friday, May 1, 2015
Our Prayers and deepest condolences go out to the family. He was a great man and will be missed by his family, friends, Arkansas, and this great country. May he rest in peace.
Laura Timbrook
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Deepest condolences to the family. The departure of such a great man is a deep loss for both friends and Country. He will be remembered by so many for his dedication, kindness and charm. Rest in peace Mr. Hammerschmidt. May the angels take you home.
Carol Ann Cecil Copeland
Sunday, April 26, 2015
So many words to be said about John Paul Hammerschmidt....dedicated, fair, loyal, difference maker, respected, worker, caring, friend, life long servant.
There will never be another man like him from our area. Very proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Arkansans benefitted so much from his efforts. He truly left a legacy for all of us.
Rest in peace...our family will truly miss you. We will always consider you a personal friend...
Paul Jackson
Saturday, April 25, 2015
John Paul Hammerschmidt is credited with many accomplishments, however none more significant than his service to the fraternity of Freemasons.
It was reported that he achieved 33rd degree in Freemasonry. More correctly, Rep. Hammerschmidt achieved 3rd Degree Master Mason, 32cd Degree Scottish Rite and was highly honored with the Grand Cross of the Court of Honor, 33rd Degree, Scottish Rite.
These degrees and honors speak volumes about the kind of man John Paul Hammerschmidt was; an example of integrity and leadership who will long continue as a role model for young men in America.
Rita Whited
Friday, April 24, 2015
Rest in peace kind sir. I salute you
Doy & Marilyn Cecil
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Home at last.
Rodney Rossow
Sunday, April 19, 2015
I will always remember John Paul for his down-to-earth manner and his kindness. The world is a little worse off with his loss.
Janet Holman
Monday, April 13, 2015
John Paul lived each day with grace, humor, and caring for what mattered. The lessons learned while serving in his DC office have stayed with me and have served as a model to carry with me since those days. My heartfelt prayers for John Arthur, and I can tell you that JP will always hold a dear place in my heart.
Debbie Pangle Klesack
Sunday, April 12, 2015
John Arthur, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He was outstanding in Arkansas history. You were a very good son to him!
Dryden Pence
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt was a great mentor of mine. I sign this Guestbook with the greatest of honor, and deepest condolences. Thank you.
Pat Brown
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
John Arthur my prayers to you for your loss. Your Dad was such a great person. I so enjoyed my visits with him. He did so much for this great country of ours, serving in the military. as a great Congressman and then as a wonderful civil servant during his retirement. He will be missed but glad he is once again reunited with Aunt Virginia.
Angie Starkey-Collins
Monday, April 6, 2015
John A. and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We feel very blessed to have known John Paul. What a wonderful man he was and a always a delight to be around. He will be missed....
Linda Blansit
Sunday, April 5, 2015
John Arthur -- We are so sorry to hear of John Paul's passing. He was a good friend of our family since our days on North Cherry and will be missed. We have all lost a good man in our lives. Take care. Linda, Charlene, and Griffin Blansit
Stephanie Robertson
Sunday, April 5, 2015
The world lost a Legend, but heaven gained an Angel. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
SueButts
Saturday, April 4, 2015
John Paul and Virginia were wonderful people . I worked in his campaign and often talked with them both, even after he was on the"hill". He had a great smile,wonderful personality, very devoted to the people of Arkansas and was a great Statesman. I will miss him and always be grateful for having known him.
Ed & Sherry Treece
Saturday, April 4, 2015
John Paul did so many amazing things for this family throughout his lifetime. We will miss his great smile and just knowing he was close by. Our hearts go out to you John Arthur and our prayers are with you.
Linda and Paul Mathis
Friday, April 3, 2015
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss John Arthur. Your dad was a great dad, friend to many and to my parents. He did so much for our state and our country. God bless you and you are in our prayers.
Joan (Gredell) Price
Friday, April 3, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to John Arthur and the friends of John Paul. It was always a pleasure to see him at church, and of course we loved Virginia, too. A great statesman - he served Arkansas well, and was a beloved Harrison resident. My sympathy.
Cheryl Mathis Markee
Friday, April 3, 2015
John Arthur -
My sympathy in your loss. My parents thought so much of your dad, and were great supporters. He was a fine man, always recognizing hometown folks.
Thoughts and prayers to you in this time of grief.
Cheryl
Patricia Raynard
Thursday, April 2, 2015
It was a pleasure to know this great man of wisdom and knowledge a very respectable person too, He was always kind to my family and we all adored him May he rest in peace and may his family find peace also ..He will be greatly missed...
Wanda Crouch
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt was an excellent representative for the state of Arkansas for so many years. Thank you for your service. Praying for your family.
Mark and Pam Swafford
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now after John's passing. He did so much good for our family and so many others. For this we will always be grateful. May God bless you all. Mak and Pam Swafford and family
Jim Pat Mills
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Congressman Hammerschmidt and "Miss" Virginia were very close friends of my mother and father, Ada & Joe Mills, of Clarksville; and the Congressman and I began an ongoing relationship, when he took the time to write me three hand-written letters of support and encouragement during my combat service tour in Vietnam. When I moved back to Arkansas in 2001, the Congressman met with me to encourage me to accept an appointment by Gov. Huckabee for Commissioner on the Arkansas Veteran Commission and Chairman of the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery Board. After accepting both appointments, I received many notes and voicemails from the Congressman always encouraging me to "continue the good work". Every time he and I would run into each other at this or that function, he would come-over to me and want to know all about my current activities, always with the most positive encouragement. When I founded the SPECIAL VETERANS PROJECTS FUND to enhance the lives of disabled veterans, the Congressman was the first gold-level donor and referred many associates to me with donations. The Fund is still doing great work and will launch the "John Paul Hammerschmidt Special Veterans Scholarship" later this year to benefit the children and grandchildren of severely disabled combat-service-connected Arkansas veterans. I was very saddened when Miss Virginia passed-on; and, today, I am already missing the Congressman's presence in our state which he so dearly loved and in our country which he so courageously served. I feel sure that the Congressman is now being greeted by a multitude of heavenly loved ones, friends, veteran buddies, and fellow Arkansans of every community status, religion, race, and/or political persuasion. And, it's heartwarming for me to envision the John Paul and Miss Virginia having so much fun with Mom and Dad, the way they used-to so often. By the way, Cong. John Paul Hammerschmidt was the first recipient ot the annual "Ada Mills Courage in Politics" award, back in 2002. May God continue to bless you, Congressman, and you, Miss Virginia. With deepest gratitude, Jim Pat Mills
Connie faulkner colmer
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Mr. Hammerschmidt was my first boss in Washington, D.C.,
He was loved by both sides of the aisle as he was an honest man. John Arthur and I would drive the car home at Christmas and the family would drive it back from Harrison to D.C. John Arthur you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Christian Munzner
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Mr. Hammerschmidt had a profound impact upon my formative years in a profound way and I am eternally grateful to him for his presence as a kind and exceptional man.
Becky Stobaugh Waldo
Thursday, April 2, 2015
My prayers are with the family and friends of the Honorable Mr. Hammerschmidt. What an Honorable man and Senator we have lost. He left a very strong impact on this Earth, as he will in Heaven.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, state, and our country as we all remember the wonderful things he did in his life. A true Statesman and American. I was glad to have known him, and his family, most of my life. All of you were always a pleasure to be around.
God Bless. II Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord"
Amy Carr
Thursday, April 2, 2015
I will miss you.
Jay Honeycutt
Thursday, April 2, 2015
John Paul was a war hero (although he would never refer to his military service), a dedicated and effective Congressman, and one constantly dedicated to helping others.
It was an honor to meet him and experience his "can do" and "will do" attitude.
He was a remarkable man and was so when no one was looking.
He will be missed by so many.
Lana Bethune
Thursday, April 2, 2015
John Paul was a personal friend and mentor to me and my husband, Ed. I always loved talking with him and learning about his ideas and stories. He truly had a servant's heart. We enjoyed our times together with him and Jenny . We will miss him as we have missed her.
Lana Bethune
Thursday, April 2, 2015
John Paul was a personal friend and mentor to me and my husband, Ed. I always loved talking with him and learning about his ideas and stories. He truly had a servant's heart. We enjoyed our times together with him and Jenny . We will miss him as we have missed her.
Ed Bethune
Thursday, April 2, 2015
John Paul was my mentor from the moment I got to Congress in 1978. He loved this country and gave his entire life to making it a better place for all mankind. Lana and I shared many special moments with John Paul and Virginia. I pray that, in time. the young people of this country will learn about them and about their selfless dedication to the business of serving others. We need more people like John Paul and Virginia Hammerschmidt. Lana and I extend our condolences to the family and to John Arthur in particular. His love for his father and the care he gave him in his last days is a model for others to follow. God Bless you John Paul. Rest in Peace my good and honorable friend.
Mike McCoy
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Sympathy;
Mike McCoy
Jeannie (Steen) Maples
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
My prayers go out to John Arthur and all of the family & friends of John Paul. It was an honor to know him as part of my church family and as an elected official. He will be greatly missed.
Sharon Trusty
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
John Arthur and family, Fritz and I are so heartbroken. He was a significant person in the lives of so many, including my family and I...I am grateful for the many memories I will keep forever, and feel cheated that he is gone. You are in our prayers.
Sharon (Trusty) and Fritz Kronberger
Lynn King Wilson
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Hammerschmidt's passing today. He was a sterling example of a public servant. My condolences to his family, especially my friend and his niece Beth.
Revs. Sue & Mitch Trigger
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
We were very sorry to hear of John Paul's passing. Not only was he a wonderful legislator, he was one of the most gracious people we have ever met - kind, compassionate, and always willing to make time for others. He was the kind of government official we all long for today and the kind of human being we all want in our lives.