Detective Sergeant Jerome “Jerry” Hamlin was born in Florence, SC on December 21, 1938 to Edward and Wilhelmina. The youngest of 7 children, Jerome excelled at an early age in both sports and academics. An All-State Running Back in football at Wilson High School Tigers, whose teammates affectionately called him “shotgun” for his speed and nose. He also played trumpet in his high school band. As a student, Mr. Hamlin excelled in academics and earning Honor Roll. Jerome earned a football scholarship from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH where he left after his sophomore year. Later in life, Jerome earned degrees from Brookdale Community College and Shaw University in NC (HBCU).
During the summer months of his teen years Jerome would visit his older sister Myrtle and her husband John Brown in Long Branch, working at various jobs at the beach. During one of those jobs, he met his future wife Kathy Ray, whom he dated several years before marrying in 1962. Their 1st son Tyrone was born in 1963 and Raymond in 1964.
Jerome worked in various jobs before becoming a Long Branch police department officer in 1967. One of the highlights of his early career was working at the Asbury Park riot after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. In 1978, Jerome was promoted to Detective and joined his partner Sal Maccioli in the Juvenile Division. In 1984, Jerome was promoted to Sergeant and became head of the Juvenile Division. During his tenure Detective Sergeant Hamlin visited all the schools of Long Branch speaking about drugs with Tom Musimaci and the “Tom & Jerry show.” Also, during this time, Jerome was the host of the local cable show called “Youth, Family & The Law.” He also created the 1st “Anti-Bullying program in the state of NJ and later Florida. After retirement from the Long Branch police department, Detective Hamlin joined the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office heading its “Special Projects” Division, where he forged a relationship between the police and community. He also spearheaded the “Smart-T Jamboree” which partnered with “MADD” (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) at the PNC Arts Center, speaking to high school and middle school students throughout the state about the dangers of drunk driving.
After retirement from the Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Hamlin, along with his wife Kathy, started the “KJ525” philanthropy program giving college scholarship money to deserving students.
Jerome had many hobbies that included photography (he had his own darkroom in the basement) as well as walking 10 miles a day (5 in the morning, 5 in the evening). He loved the games of football and basketball.
A proud “Black Man,” who was financially fiscal and never owned a credit card and always paid in cash.
A devoted family man and husband, Jerome was diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and dementia several years ago which ultimately led to his death.
Jerome is survived by his wife of 63 years Kathy; his sons Tyrone and Raymond and daughter Cathy (Roy). He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Zoraya; his son-in-law; several grandchildren John, DJ, Asia, RL, Roy II and Torrie; great grandchildren; as well as his older sister Ernestine Juett, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends of the family.
Detective Sergeant Hamlin loved his family, friends, community and its diverse citizens! He gave 100% in everything he did and may we all strive to do the same.
