James J Hanson's Obituary
JAMES JACOB HANSON
12/18/1933- 06/24/2016
James Jacob Hanson, aka. "Mr. Wonderful", the sweetest, strongest man we will ever know passed into the great halls of Valhalla, The Viking Heaven.
Our hearts are heavy but heaven is rejoicing with the valiant fight,James made along the way in the precious life he cherished greatly.
Born on a winter day in 1933 in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, he grew up on a dairy farm. Life was difficult especially through the great depression but he would have never traded that beautiful farm life for anything. Jim was born into a musical family. He was a wonderful saxophone player and had an angelic alto/tenor voice. He met the love of his life, Virgie May Reed from right down the street in Mosinee, Wisconsin. Both came west to Washington state in 1958, where Jim was introduced "Real" mountains. Jim worked almost 36 years @ Flett Dairy (Tacoma/Lakewood), as everyones favorite milkman.
Jim and Virgie had four children, James Jr.(Patty), Lesia (Paul Many), Steven, and Stacy (Matt Cook) or Morris, Loris, Borris and Doris as he would have have preferred, led to enough grandchildren and Great-grandchildren to fill 20 Viking ships. Dad loved his grandkids so very much. He loved sitting around talking to them, watching TV with them into the wee hours of the night. Names as he treasured, Oldest to Youngest: Kristy (Michael), Zachary, Amber (Preston), Kasea (Mikey), Kayla (Sean), Missy, Max, Mason, Teghan & Taylor, Isaiah and Yosef.
James was preceded in death by his father Roy, mother Clara, his Viking brothers Odin,John and just weeks ago his sister Mardean. He is survived by his brothers Erick (Karen), Merritt, and baby sister Christina (Jerry Swanson).
Our father James truly lived his life following the footsteps of Jesus. He was a servant of man and inspired us all to live life unselfishly by example.
He loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, especially the woods where he encountered the real "Bigfoot." He instilled in all of us a love for the same.
The legend of "Bigfoot" lives on in all he loved. Most of all, he loved to talk, drink coffee and eat doughnuts with his family and fans. He could be a "smart -Alec" but always had a soft spot for his many loyal dog companions; It's a fact that his dog Daisy was waiting outside heavens gates with a ball in her mouth! His dog "Sophie" will always treasure the time she had lying in dads hospital bed before he passed. He also once raised a raccoon named "Henry."
Dad also loved his adopted kids, Angel and Phyllis. He loved them both just like his own, maybe even more! How sad it is to think of a world without "Mr. Hanson!!" He will be loved and missed by everyone that had the privilege to know him. What a mission to carry a piece of "Jim" with us in our hearts everywhere we may go. Please feel free to leave a comment or memory of dad on this site. He is the first, last, forever, "Mr. Wonderful" We Love you Daddy!!!
If Tears could build a stairway and Memories a lane,
We'd walk right up to heaven and bring you to the Casino again!
The family would like to thank everyone who has so kindly remembered our father during this very difficult time. The Love and friendship shown to Jim and his family will never be forgotten. We are truly grateful for all of you. Our family would also like to thank St. Josephs hospital, and Franciscan Hospice house for the care bestowed on our loved one.
Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church; 101 South 96th Street in Tacoma, on June 9th (Saturday) @ 1:00 PM.
In Lieu of flowers Donations may be made to the Franciscan Hospice House 2901 Bridgeport Way, University Place WA 98466
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
