Carl "CJ" Hamilla

Munising

            Carl J. “CJ” Hamilla, age 65, of Munising and formerly of Flint, MI, died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at his home in Munising. Born on April 30, 1958, in Flint to the late Walter and Gwendolyn (Strand) Hamilla, Sr., CJ graduated from Flint Southwestern in 1976 and then attended Michigan Tech University. He worked for General Motors as a welder at Flint Metal Fab, and as a die-maker at Plant 38(die construction). CJ was a member of the UAW Local 659 and retired in 2007.

           He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He always told everyone to “Hug them babies for me.” He always took his appreciation and respect for nature seriously and tried to pass it on to the next generations. CJ loved rock and roll and the blues. He had a passion for music and surrounded himself with it. He loved fast cars. Building a few himself that would pass anything but a gas station. He was an avid reader of so many things and would educate himself on many fronts. CJ looked forward to “going home” and spending time at his family cabin on Powell Lake.

            He is survived by his three sons – Ryan Hamilla, Kevin Hamilla, and Adam (Rebecca) Hamilla; grandchildren – Tyler, Leiana, Kaylin, Lillian, Ella, and one more on the way; brothers – Walter “Tooker” Hamilla, Jr., and David (Patsy Jane) Hamilla; sister-in-law – Nancy Hamilla; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. CJ was preceded in death by his parents – Walter Sr. and Gwendolyn; brother – John Hamilla; sister, Betty Lou (Robert) Kendall; and sister-in-law – Cathy Hamilla.

            A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Luigi’s Restaurant in Flint from noon until 3:00 p.m.