James Robert Hamling

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James Robert Hamling on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Peter Lougheed Centre with his son, Nick and wife, Lisa, by his side.

James was born to Howard and Mary Hamling in Raymond, Alberta. He grew up, like all his siblings, raising a little heck on the beautiful Hamling family farm in Warner. His seven siblings could tell countless stories from those years. They would likely start with his kindness, and tireless work ethic, then move quickly to his sharp sense of humour and the hint of a wild streak that emerged in his teenage years.

At a young age, James struck out on his own in Lethbridge, though not long after, he returned to southern Alberta to start a farm of his very own in New Dayton with the steady support of his remarkable family. There, alongside his new bride, Diana Liverseed, he began raising his two boys, Nick and Matthew.

Though he gave farming his all, James eventually realized it wasn't his true calling. What truly energized him was people. Within a few years, he made the difficult decision to sell the farm and move to Lethbridge with his son, Nick, where he focused on building a career in sales while raising his son as a single father.

From tobacco to real estate to telecommunications, there was little James couldn't sell and even fewer customers who had a bad word to say about him. He built his career on relationships, integrity and an unwavering commitment to doing business honestly.

In 1994, James moved to Calgary to pursue greater opportunity. It was there he elevated his telecommunications career, becoming Calgary's top Plantronics headset distributor; a distinction that spoke volumes to those in the industry.

It was also during this chapter that he reconnected with an old crush who would become the love of his life, Lisa Kovacs. They first reconnected during the uncertainty of 9/11; with James driving to British Columbia simply to be by her side. Lisa will tell you he was charming, kind, and effortlessly funny. He won her heart and they built a happy life together that lasted until his passing.

Over the years in Calgary, James continued to thrive in sales; from trailers to motorcycles and beyond. He owned and operated a thriving side business, Allsource Contracting Ltd; putting his handyman and renovation skills to the forefront. His craftsmanship and knowledge made him the go-to for many. Eventually, James combined his love of people and motorcycles at Cycle Works Calgary and through the Calgary Victory Riders Association. Some of his happiest years were spent riding across North America on unforgettable road trips with close friends.

James had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued. Time and again, it was his kindness and quick wit that drew people to him almost instantly.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, as well as heart and lung complications, James chose to spend his final moments peacefully surrounded by the love of those who mattered most.

James is survived by the love of his life, Lisa Kovacs, his sons James Nicholas Hamling of Calgary, AB and Matthew Dennis Insley of Lethbridge, AB; his siblings Donna Brantner of Taber, AB, Carol (Ken) Brantner of Milkriver, AB, Linda (Gary) Virag of Bentley, AB, Jean (Dee) Jense of Pleasant Grove, UT, Sue Wachtler of Warner, AB, Mark Hamling of Warner, AB and numerous extended family.

He is predeceased by his parents, James Howard Hamling and Mary Farraway, as well as his brother, Dennis Hamling.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cycle Works (4127 6 St NE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, February 28,  2026.  Time TBC.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in James' name to one of the follow charities; Canadian Cancer Society, Veteran's Foodbank of Calgary or United Cerebral Palsy