Jake L. Hamon Jr.
Jake L. Hamon Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 24, 1902 Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | 1985 |
| Occupation(s) | Oilman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Oil industry leadership and philanthropy |
Jake L. Hamon Jr. (July 24, 1902 – 1985) was a prominent American figure in the oil industry and a noted philanthropist.
Early life and education
Hamon Jr. was born in Lawton, Oklahoma and grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was named after his father, Jake L. Hamon Sr. He enrolled at the University of Chicago but departed after two years in 1920 due to the passing of his father.
Career and philanthropy
Launching his career in the oil sector, Hamon began operations in Ranger, Texas in 1920 and successfully drilled his own well by the following year. In 1932, he formed a business alliance with oilman Edwin B. Cox, setting up their corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas. This collaboration continued until 1950.
Throughout his career, Hamon held several key positions including serving on the board of the American Petroleum Institute starting in 1934. He also presided over multiple industry organizations such as the National Stripper Well Association, the Texas Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. During World War II, he contributed to the Petroleum Industry Council for National Defense. His achievements were recognized with induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1968.
In 1984, he established the Hamon Oil Company.
His philanthropic efforts included support for the Dallas Museum of Art, as well as board memberships with the Dallas Zoological Society, Southern Methodist University, and the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association.
Personal life
On March 28, 1949, Hamon married Nancy Blackburn. Together they had three children: two sons and a daughter. He maintained a personal friendship with former President George H. W. Bush, visiting the Bush family in China during Bush’s tenure as Envoy in March 1975.
Hamon passed away in 1985 while vacationing in Amsterdam.