Dixie Chopper announced one of its founders, Alama Jean Hamm-Evans, passed away on Sunday,  May 9, 2021 at the age of 77. 

A graduate of Gosport High School, she earned her BS in Education from Indiana University and her Masters degree in teaching from Depauw University. She was a member of Millgrove Methodist church and the Indiana State Teacher’s Association. She taught in the South Putnam school system for 10 years and loved being around children.

In 1980, Hamm-Evans ended her teaching career in order to start Magic Circle Corporation, or better known as Dixie Chopper. When she and her ex-husband launched the company, they started with only $5,000. At its peak, they were employing more than 200 local community members. She treated every employee like they were family. Most commonly referred to as “Mama Jean”, she wouldn’t hesitate to take time out of her day to talk to employees about their troubles whether they were work related or not.

Hamm-Evans leaves behind a powerful legacy, both in terms of her economic impact on hundreds of lives in Putnam County and more importantly in the deeply personal relationships she built with all of the people she touched with her wisdom, her kindness, and her generosity.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 13th from 4-8pm at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home in Greencastle, Ill. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 14th at 11am. Burial will be at Hudson Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.