Robert John Hambly

Robert John Hambly, 100 years old, of Grants Pass, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023 in his home. Robert was born March 22, 1923 in Texas City, Texas to John and Maude Hambly.

Robert served in WWII and the Korean War as a photographer. While in charge of the photo lab in the Philippines, he was the first to develop the iconic Joe Rosenthal photograph of the flag raising atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

He was a founding member and president of the Josephine County Credit Union in 1962, now known as First Community Credit Union. In 1964 he obtained his amateur radio license WA7BYD and became a director of the worldwide Amateur Radio Missionary Service (ARMS) emergency radio network. Robert was a teacher, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for the Josephine County School District until retiring in 1978.

He was a member of the First Christian Church for 20 years where he was instrumental in the children’s Backyard Club, and served on the board’s finance committee.

Robert is survived by his wife of 77 years, Lillian; two children, Libby McLain of Beaverton, and Tom Hambly (Jill) of Eugene; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at First Christian Church, 305 SW “H” St., Grants Pass OR 97526 on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations to Royal Family Kids, a non-profit for Josephine and Jackson County children in foster care, at 229 NE Beacon Dr., Grants Pass, OR 97526.

https://grantspassroyalfamilykids.ejoinme.org/makemomentsmatter