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  • Helping hands

    In lieu of flowers

    Please consider a donation to Memorial & Final Arrangements Fund.
  • Who else knew BJ?

    Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Memorial & Final Arrangements Fund.
$4,480.00
of $10,000 goal
44 %

How you can help

We're raising funds to honor BJ's memory and help our family during this difficult time. Donations will support cremation expenses, a simple gathering to celebrate his life with loved ones, travel expenses for family members, and assistance with managing his belongings (sorting, donating, and removal services). These funds will also help ease the financial burden on our mom, who shouldn't have to deplete her savings while mourning her son. Any funds beyond these immediate needs will be donated to a yet-to-be-determined cause in honor of BJ. We are deeply grateful for your love and support as we remember BJ. Contribute   Right arrow

Personal note from Zach Hammer

Thank you to everyone for your support during this difficult time. We would love for you to post your favorite photos and/or stories about BJ on the memories tab of this memorial website.

Obituary

Brandon Joel "BJ" Hammer, age 39, was born in Anaheim, California, on Friday, November 8, 1985, to Wynette Hammer and the late Scott Hammer. BJ passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

BJ's journey began in California, where he attended Chino High School before taking a proficiency exam to skip straight into college after his junior year. He graduated from ITT Tech with an AA degree, earning the distinction of …

Event details

Memorial events are private

We will be holding a private memorial gathering for BJ with close friends and family. This will be a casual opportunity to share memories and celebrate his life together. While we wish we could include everyone who cared about him, we're keeping this gathering intimate with just those closest to him who are able to attend. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time.

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Memories & condolences

It’s taken me several days to process everything; I wanted to make sure that I was able to write with a clear mind and …

It’s taken me several days to process everything; I wanted to make sure that I was able to write wi…

It’s taken me several days to process everything; I wanted to ma…

My deepest condolences for the loss of B.J. I will always remember him as my friend in high school, who was such a cool…
My deepest condolences for the loss of B.J. I will always remember him as my friend in high school,…
My deepest condolences for the loss of B.J. I will always rememb…

Favorites

What was BJ's favorite color?
Purple Blue Black
Purple Blue Black
Purple Blue Black
What causes did BJ care about most?
Helping the Homeless Helping Dogs Helping those who are often unnoticed
Helping the Homeless Helping Dogs Helping those who are often unnoticed
Helping the Homeless Helping Dogs Helping those who are often unnoticed
What were BJ's favorite local spots?
Primo's
Primo's
Primo's
What were BJ's favorite vacation spots?
Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach, CA

Timeline

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Born

November 8th, 1985
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Passed away

April 9th, 2025
Council Bluffs, IA

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Other key details

Cause of death

Drug overdose

Method of disposition

Cremation

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Brandon "BJ" Hammer