Michael Ham

Michael Ham, aka “Mr. Troy,” age 36, of Troy, Ohio passed away on June 5, 2026, at his home in Troy, Ohio. He was born on March 12, 1990, in Clearwater, Florida to the late Patricia (Bodenmiller) Ham. Michael is survived by many friends who filled a void as “his family” after the passing of his mother in 2017.

Michael was a 2009 graduate of Troy High School and a 2013 graduate of Wright State University. He truly was an amazing young man. He accomplished more in just a few years than most people accomplish in their lifetime. He certainly didn’t let his handicap slow him down. Michael began working for the City of Troy - his dream job - on June 15, 2010. Michael was one who put himself out there and always followed through. If someone or something stood in his way, he wouldn’t let that stop him from getting a job done.

You would think that a young person who spent his life in a wheelchair would claim that because he was handicapped society owed him something. With Michael Ham, that was not the case. He gave back to this community as much as his body and mind would allow - a community that gave Michael the nickname of “Mr. Troy” - a very befitting name!

In high school, Michael competed in numerous speech-making events. He won the National Champion Illustrated Talk for the Family Career & Community Leaders of America in 2008. He was the first Troy High School student to win this award. In 2014, he was honored as the Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce.

Michael was elected to the Troy City School Board of Education in 2016 and reelected in 2019. He served in this capacity until December 31, 2023. In 2018 and 2019, he chaired the Festival of Nations and served as the President of the Troy Noon Optimist. He also was the chairperson of Teen Leadership Troy.

He served on many non-profit organization boards including The Future Begins Today. He was an accomplished writer and authored a book, “Beyond the Challenges.” The proceeds of the book benefited The Future Begins Today.

Michael asked that you do what he has done throughout his life by giving back to the City of Troy and her citizens in a way that is meaningful to you. Memorial contributions can be made in Michael’s name to The Future Begins Today, P.O. Box 511, Troy, OH 45373 or to a non-profit of your choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 4, 2026, 10:30 AM, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 409 E. Main St., Troy, OH, celebrated by pastor, Fr. Eric Bowman, and concelebrated by Fr. James Duell. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Parish Center (building behind the school), 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.

Please share your photo memories of Michael for the Celebration of Life by emailing information@bairdfuneralhome.com by August 1. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Troy with Fr. Jim that afternoon. Friends and loved ones may express condolences at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.