Donald J. Ham

Doctor Donald J. Ham passed away peacefully on October 28, 2021, surrounded by his wife, Graciela and several family members.

Don was born in Atlanta Georgia in 1943 to Montgomery and Carol Ham.  He attended Decatur High School and then went on to Toccoa Falls Institute for his first two years of college.  He received his pre-med degree from Wheaton College.  Don attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree.  He completed his residency in ophthalmology at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles.  Don was also an Air Force veteran, serving two years as a flight surgeon at Holloman Air Force Base.

In 1976, Don established the Alamogordo Eye Clinic and later added the first outpatient cataract surgical center in New Mexico.  He was a member of the Alamogordo Rotary Club and received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award for his vast contributions to the Mexico Medical Project.

He was a member of the New Mexico Amigos, served as past president of the New Mexico Ophthalmological Society, and chairman of the educational program of the Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting for several years.

He enjoyed piloting his plane, dirt track auto racing, and riding his Harley.  His love of music and travel was legendary.

Don is survived by his wife, Graciela, daughter Joni Castello, daughter-in-law Jennifer Ham, step-daughter Alinessa Torres, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and sister Linda Ham of Georgia, brother Paul Ham of North Carolina.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alamogordo Funeral Home, 2301 First Street with Bob Patillo officiating.

The Ham family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the services.

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