John Michael ‘Mike’ Hammer

August 6, 1941 - July 26, 2022

John Michael (Mike) Hammer (80) passed away in his sleep at home in Jackson Hole, WY, on July 26 following complications from cancer. As a youth, he built fires, packed mules, and skied mountains with the love, support, and camaraderie of his parents, Barbara and Hugo, and younger siblings Steve and Andrea. He was born and raised in La Cañada, California. At John Muir High School in Pasadena, he was elected Student Body President and voted by his class “Most Likely to Succeed.” That he did.

Mike was an Eagle Scout and Stanford graduate before University of Michigan Law School (Law Review, Order of the Coif), the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and then several years with O’Melveny & Myers, first in LA and then as a partner in Washington D.C. In 1978 Mike met the love of his life, Francesca Parra, a lawyer with the F.A.A. Not long afterward, the two headed for Jackson, Wyoming where Mike became the onsite partner in the development and operation of the resort property Spring Creek Ranch.

The Hammers raised three kids in Jackson, Michael, Hadley, and Maximilian, in the cottonwoods of the Snake River bottom and immersed themselves in the community and outdoor life of the Tetons. Mike was a 30-year board member of the Ucross Foundation (an artists in residency program), a member of the Teton County Planning Commission, and a member of the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club.

As a skier, Mike danced beautifully down the slopes. Later in life, he helped run ski races, typically as the official starter. Racers often remarked how much they enjoyed him in this role, as he had a great ability to bring comfort and confidence to others with just a few words and a smile. In August, Mike was inducted into Jackson’s Skiers Hall of Fame.

Mike lived a life full of love, work, and play. His adventures in the mountains usually had him back after dark. He was a fierce father-daughter dance competitor, a role model for his sons, and he supported his children in all of their pursuits. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Francesca, sons Michael and Max (Amy), daughter Hadley, grandchildren Holden and Otto, his two siblings Steve and Andrea, his niece and nephews, and numerous cousins.

Services were held September 7th, 2022 in Jackson, Wy. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to the Jackson Hole Ski Club, PO Box 461, Jackson, WY 83001 or jhskiclub.org/donate