John Q. Hammons
Encyclopedia
John Q. Hammons is an American businessman and one of the nation's premier developers of upscale luxury hotels and resorts. With over 50 years of experience in the hotel industry, John Q. Hammons has built and developed nearly two hundred (200) hotels. While many of the early hotels were Holiday Inn
s, today's portfolio of hotels include Marriott
brands (Renaissance
, Courtyard by Marriott
, and Residence Inn by Marriott), Hilton
brands (Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn
, and Homewood Suites), and several independent properties including those named University Plazas and the award-winning Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri
.
, attended Fairview Elementary School and graduated in 1937 from Fairview High School. He was one of 12 graduating students that year. Immediately following high school, Hammons attended Monett Junior College (which ceased operations in the 1950s and was part of Monett High School
) and Southwest Missouri State Teacher's College (now known as Missouri State University
) where he received his teaching certificate in 1939.
. His teacher's salary for the first year was $40 per month and was raised to $45 per month in the second year. During this time, he served as a Cub Scout Cubmaster and the junior high school basketball coach.
The entry of the United States in World War Two, following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forever changed history and Mr. Hammons's life. In early 1942, John Q. Hammons left the academic world and joined the Lytle Green Construction Company of Des Moines, Iowa to work as a cost accountant on the Alaska-Canadian Highway project which was also known as the ALCAN Highway and nicknamed the Road to Tokyo. This was to be Mr. Hammons's first experience in the construction industry and one which would shape his future. During his time in Alaska, Hammons saved every penny he earned and invested in the stock market. Upon completion of the highway and his return from Alaska, Hammons had managed to amass nearly $60,000 in savings. From 1943 to the end of the war, John Q. Hammons served in the Merchant Marines on a supply ship supporting troops in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. When the war ended, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG (junior grade).
In the late 1940s, Hammons began building suburban housing in Springfield, Missouri
, and established a number of real estate ventures, including housing tracts, apartment complexes, and shopping centers. In 1958, he began his career in the lodging industry by co-purchasing with Roy E. Winegardner their first ten Holiday Inn franchises. In 1961, they formed Winegardner & Hammons Incorporated (WHI), a hotel development company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. By the end of the 1960s, WHI constructed nearly three dozen Holiday Inn hotels, prompting Hammons to form John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts in 1969.
His passion for baseball culminated in the construction of one of the nation's premier minor-league baseball parks in Springfield, Missouri. At a cost of $32M, Hammons Field
opened in April 2004 and is a first-class, state of the art stadium, and serves as home for the Springfield Cardinals
. The Springfield Cardinals are a Double A affiliate team of the St. Louis Cardinals
and play in the Texas League
. In 2006, Mr. Hammons helped fund the 11,000-seat JQH Arena
for basketball and special events on the Missouri State University campus.
. He married Juanita K. Baxter on September 2, 1949 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri
. Although his proper first name is James, Hammons originally used the name "John Q." when he would introduce himself to city leaders or organizations as a way to convey the message that he was there representing the general public and progress. After a while, the name stuck and he has forever become John Q. Hammons.
Throughout his career Hammons has been involved in multiple philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife have funded the Hammons Heart Institute and Hammons Life Line helicopter for St. John’s Regional Health Center; the Hammons Student Center, Hammons Fountains, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for Performing Arts, and the JQH Arena at Missouri State University
; and the Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University
. In 2003 USA Today
’s "Newspapers in Education Program" honored Hammons with an appreciation award for his ongoing commitment to Springfield, MO-area school students. Since 1993, he has dedicated a portion of funds to provide more than 700,000 copies of USA Today to schools and teachers, with the goal of inspiring student education of current events. In 2007 Hammons was the Recipient of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) Lifetime Achievement Award in Recognition of his Accomplishments in the Lodging Industry and Community Service.
. Jacqueline Dowdy, who was formerly Hammons' administrative assistant was given power of attorney
in 2008 and took control of the privately held company in October 2010, firing several high level employees. In March 2011, several people filed suit in Greene County, Missouri
probate court to get a court appointed guardian for him. Those petitioning included local Chamber of Commerce president, a former state senator and two broadcast company executives. Filing the petition are Carolyn and Russell Newport, Duff McCoy, Betty Carden, Harold Garrison, Donald Daily, Bonita Bell, and Kenneth Meyer. They had said they had been barred from talking to Hammons since September 2010. Earlier Missouri Lt. Governor (and official state guardian of seniors) Peter Kinder
said he had been told by doctors treating Hammons that he was properly cared for. However he could not speak to him. On March 18, 2011, at both the request of Dowd and the petitioners the records of the proceedings were sealed by the probate court. The petition said 27 people would testify on its behalf including retired Missouri State University athletics director Bill Rowe, TV news anchor Joy Robertson, former state senator Norma Champion
, former Hammons Hotels executive Scott Tarwater, and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson. Both Hammons and his wife are at The Manor at Elfindale in Springfield. On May 11, 2011, the Springfield News-Leader reported that Greene County Probate Judge Michael Cordonnier had appointed Dr. James Coulter as Hammons' temporary guardian.
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn is a brand of hotels, formally a economy motel chain, forming part of the British InterContinental Hotels Group . It is one of the world's largest hotel chains with 238,440 bedrooms and 1,301 hotels globally. There are currently 5 hotels in the pipeline...
s, today's portfolio of hotels include Marriott
Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Founded by J. Willard Marriott, the company is now led by son J.W. Marriott, Jr...
brands (Renaissance
Renaissance Hotels
Renaissance Hotels is a worldwide brand of hotels and resorts. The brand is owned by Marriott International and many Renaissance Hotels are managed by Marriott; however, some are operated under a franchise license. Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites cater to an upmarket segment of the traveling...
, Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott is a brand of hotels owned by Marriott International. Courtyard by Marriott is designed for business travelers but also accommodates to families. Its rooms feature large desks, couches, free broadband Internet access, and "big" breakfasts. The majority of locations have...
, and Residence Inn by Marriott), Hilton
Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is an international chain of full-service hotels and resorts founded by Conrad Hilton and now owned by Hilton Worldwide. Hilton hotels are either owned by, managed by, or franchised to independent operators by Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Hotels became the first coast-to-coast...
brands (Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn
Hampton Inn
'Hampton Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton are the names of a brand of hotels trademarked by Hilton Worldwide. Most Hampton hotels are independently owned and operated by franchisees, though a few are owned and/or managed by the Hilton Hotels Corporation...
, and Homewood Suites), and several independent properties including those named University Plazas and the award-winning Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a city in Taney County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It was named after Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s....
.
Education
John Q. Hammons grew up in Fairview, MissouriFairview, Missouri
Fairview is a city in Newton County, Missouri, United States. The population was 383 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Fairview is located at ....
, attended Fairview Elementary School and graduated in 1937 from Fairview High School. He was one of 12 graduating students that year. Immediately following high school, Hammons attended Monett Junior College (which ceased operations in the 1950s and was part of Monett High School
Monett, Missouri
Monett is a city in Monett Township in Barry County and Pierce Township in Lawrence County, Missouri, United States. The population was 8,873 at the 2010 census...
) and Southwest Missouri State Teacher's College (now known as Missouri State University
Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a public university located in Springfield, Missouri, United States and founded in 1905. It is the state's second largest university, with an official enrollment of 20,802 in fall 2011...
) where he received his teaching certificate in 1939.
Early career
Upon graduating in 1939 with a teacher's certificate from Southwest Missouri State Teacher's College, Mr. Hammons began teaching science, history, and physical education to junior high school students in Cassville, MissouriCassville, Missouri
Cassville is a city in Flat Creek Township, Barry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 3,266 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Barry County. Crowder College offers 2 year degree programs in Cassville...
. His teacher's salary for the first year was $40 per month and was raised to $45 per month in the second year. During this time, he served as a Cub Scout Cubmaster and the junior high school basketball coach.
The entry of the United States in World War Two, following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forever changed history and Mr. Hammons's life. In early 1942, John Q. Hammons left the academic world and joined the Lytle Green Construction Company of Des Moines, Iowa to work as a cost accountant on the Alaska-Canadian Highway project which was also known as the ALCAN Highway and nicknamed the Road to Tokyo. This was to be Mr. Hammons's first experience in the construction industry and one which would shape his future. During his time in Alaska, Hammons saved every penny he earned and invested in the stock market. Upon completion of the highway and his return from Alaska, Hammons had managed to amass nearly $60,000 in savings. From 1943 to the end of the war, John Q. Hammons served in the Merchant Marines on a supply ship supporting troops in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. When the war ended, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG (junior grade).
In the late 1940s, Hammons began building suburban housing in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. According to the 2010 census data, the population was 159,498, an increase of 5.2% since the 2000 census. The Springfield Metropolitan Area, population 436,712, includes the counties of...
, and established a number of real estate ventures, including housing tracts, apartment complexes, and shopping centers. In 1958, he began his career in the lodging industry by co-purchasing with Roy E. Winegardner their first ten Holiday Inn franchises. In 1961, they formed Winegardner & Hammons Incorporated (WHI), a hotel development company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. By the end of the 1960s, WHI constructed nearly three dozen Holiday Inn hotels, prompting Hammons to form John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts in 1969.
Sports Enthusiast
Mr. Hammons's interest and fondness for sports began during his childhood years. He played basketball, which was to become one of his life's passions, during all four years of high school. At approximately 5'9" in height, Hammons was not particularly tall, but he could shoot the ball extremely well and was usually the high scorer. He continued his interest in basketball during his teaching years as a junior high school basketball coach. In two years of coaching, his team lost only one game in the first year and went on to be undefeated in the second year. He also played several years on the baseball team during high school and developed a passion for another sport in which he would play a key role in later years.His passion for baseball culminated in the construction of one of the nation's premier minor-league baseball parks in Springfield, Missouri. At a cost of $32M, Hammons Field
Hammons Field
Hammons Field is a minor league ballpark in downtown Springfield, Missouri, with a capacity of 7,986 plus approximately 2,500 general admission seating. The facility, funded entirely by local businessman, hotel mogul and benefactor John Q. Hammons, is the centerpiece of the midtown development...
opened in April 2004 and is a first-class, state of the art stadium, and serves as home for the Springfield Cardinals
Springfield Cardinals
The Springfield Cardinals are a minor league baseball team based in Springfield, Missouri. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals major-league club, and is owned by the Cardinals. The club plays at Hammons Field.The Springfield Cardinals...
. The Springfield Cardinals are a Double A affiliate team of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
and play in the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
. In 2006, Mr. Hammons helped fund the 11,000-seat JQH Arena
JQH Arena
JQH Arena is a basketball and special events arena in Springfield, Missouri. Constructed at a cost of $67 million, the arena opened in 2008. Located on the campus of Missouri State University it is the home of the Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams and is referred to by MSU...
for basketball and special events on the Missouri State University campus.
Personal life
Born on February 24, 1919 to James O. and Hortense Bass Hammons, Hammons grew up in Fairview, MissouriFairview, Missouri
Fairview is a city in Newton County, Missouri, United States. The population was 383 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Fairview is located at ....
. He married Juanita K. Baxter on September 2, 1949 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. According to the 2010 census data, the population was 159,498, an increase of 5.2% since the 2000 census. The Springfield Metropolitan Area, population 436,712, includes the counties of...
. Although his proper first name is James, Hammons originally used the name "John Q." when he would introduce himself to city leaders or organizations as a way to convey the message that he was there representing the general public and progress. After a while, the name stuck and he has forever become John Q. Hammons.
Throughout his career Hammons has been involved in multiple philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife have funded the Hammons Heart Institute and Hammons Life Line helicopter for St. John’s Regional Health Center; the Hammons Student Center, Hammons Fountains, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for Performing Arts, and the JQH Arena at Missouri State University
Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a public university located in Springfield, Missouri, United States and founded in 1905. It is the state's second largest university, with an official enrollment of 20,802 in fall 2011...
; and the Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University
Drury University
Drury University is a private liberal arts college in Springfield, Missouri.The university enrolls about 1,550 undergraduates, over 2,000 adult part-time undergraduates and around 400 graduate students in six master's programs...
. In 2003 USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
’s "Newspapers in Education Program" honored Hammons with an appreciation award for his ongoing commitment to Springfield, MO-area school students. Since 1993, he has dedicated a portion of funds to provide more than 700,000 copies of USA Today to schools and teachers, with the goal of inspiring student education of current events. In 2007 Hammons was the Recipient of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) Lifetime Achievement Award in Recognition of his Accomplishments in the Lodging Industry and Community Service.
Controversy about his estate
In 2011 his net worth was estimated at more than $1 billion. He has no children and his wife is in an institution with Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
. Jacqueline Dowdy, who was formerly Hammons' administrative assistant was given power of attorney
Power of attorney
A power of attorney or letter of attorney is a written authorization to represent or act on another's behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter...
in 2008 and took control of the privately held company in October 2010, firing several high level employees. In March 2011, several people filed suit in Greene County, Missouri
Greene County, Missouri
Greene County is a county located in Southwest Missouri. As of 2010, the population was 275,174 making it the fourth most populated county in Missouri. Its county seat is Springfield...
probate court to get a court appointed guardian for him. Those petitioning included local Chamber of Commerce president, a former state senator and two broadcast company executives. Filing the petition are Carolyn and Russell Newport, Duff McCoy, Betty Carden, Harold Garrison, Donald Daily, Bonita Bell, and Kenneth Meyer. They had said they had been barred from talking to Hammons since September 2010. Earlier Missouri Lt. Governor (and official state guardian of seniors) Peter Kinder
Peter Kinder
Peter D. Kinder is an American politician from the U.S. state of Missouri. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Missouri in 2004 as Matt Blunt was elected Governor. Kinder was reelected in 2008 at the same time Jay Nixon was elected Governor. Kinder is a member of the Republican Party...
said he had been told by doctors treating Hammons that he was properly cared for. However he could not speak to him. On March 18, 2011, at both the request of Dowd and the petitioners the records of the proceedings were sealed by the probate court. The petition said 27 people would testify on its behalf including retired Missouri State University athletics director Bill Rowe, TV news anchor Joy Robertson, former state senator Norma Champion
Norma Champion
Norma Champion is a former children's TV show host and retired university professor who served as a Republican in both the Missouri House of Representatives from 1995 through 2003 and the Missouri State Senate from 2003 through 2010. She is a resident of Springfield, Missouri.Norma received her...
, former Hammons Hotels executive Scott Tarwater, and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson. Both Hammons and his wife are at The Manor at Elfindale in Springfield. On May 11, 2011, the Springfield News-Leader reported that Greene County Probate Judge Michael Cordonnier had appointed Dr. James Coulter as Hammons' temporary guardian.