John Martin Hammerick

As the son of an Army captain, John lived in many different locations and attended various schools, becoming fluent in German while his father was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. His ability to learn quickly and adapt to change served him well in his chosen career.

From a very young age, John knew he wanted to become a medical doctor. After graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder, he obtained his MD from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, in 1970. Next, he completed his internship at Orange County Hospital in California before joining the US Navy. John served his country as a lieutenant commander while stationed at the US Naval Hospital in Guam. He later completed his residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland with a specialty in otolaryngology (ENT).

In 1978, John completed his service commitment to the Navy after relocating to Corpus Christi, Texas. He worked at the NAS Corpus Christi Hospital until he left the Navy and started his private ENT medical practice in the community. He was passionately devoted to his patients for the next 35 years. Many of his patients remember him as a boot-wearing cowboy doctor who always made time for them. John was also greatly involved with the larger Corpus community. He ran in the Beach to Bay Marathon, served on the CCISD school board, with the Arts and Humanities Commission, and with various political campaigns and medical committees.

Doctor H, as he was known to his loyal staff, had many diverse interests. An avid reader, he amassed a vast collection of science fiction books and enjoyed beginning each day with an issue of the Corpus Christi Caller Times. He collected art and sculptures and had an interest in architecture. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, working on cars and listening to country music. He liked following sports, especially tennis. He loved and respected nature and wildlife. For many years he made annual solo treks to the New Mexico wilderness. He took satisfaction in gardening and nurtured his live oak and citrus trees. Later in life, John took great pleasure in his weekly tennis matches at the Corpus Christi Athletic Club followed by pizza and beer at B & J’s. His tennis partners stood by him as his health deteriorated.

In 1967, John met Noreen Wilkie while both had summer jobs in Bethesda, Maryland. They married the following summer in Miami, Florida where Noreen’s family had emigrated from Cuba. Together they had three children that John cherished. He took great pride in the fact that his children attended and excelled in Corpus Christi public schools.

John died on May 19, 2025, in his home that he had designed and loved. He had a long and unrelenting health pathway which he confronted with boldness, courage, and grace. John had Lynch Syndrome which was responsible for at least one of his five primary cancers over the past two decades. He ultimately died from complications due to the recurrent lymphoma and progressive dementia.

He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Noreen Wilkie Hammerick, their three children, Dacia Napier (Lanham) of San Antonio, Texas, Lara Grosjean of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kyle Hammerick (Marily Mallison) of Greenwood Village, Colorado, seven beloved grandchildren who knew him as “Jefe,” Cade and Avery Napier, Cobin, Marin, and Tully Grosjean, Turner and Lulu Hammerick, a sister, Jill Hammerick of San Antonio, and various nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

He was predeceased by his parents, John (Jack) and Lilias Roosa Hammerick, a brother, Walt Hammerick, and his uncles, Paul and Richard Hammerich. His brother, Ray Hammerick, died several hours after John on the same day.

The family is grateful to all the physicians and nurses, the Devoted Healthcare and Hospice Services staff, the caregiving providers and family, friends, and neighbors who participated in adding to his quality of life.

John was loved and appreciated. He will be missed. He maintained his sense of humor to the end. He often said, “I would rather be seen than viewed.”

The family will be holding a private service. Please honor John by taking the time to be kind to others.

If you would like to donate in John’s memory, consider these organizations that he supported:

Tennis Success: mytennissuccess.com

Coastal Bend Food Bank: coastalbendfoodbank.org