James Hanson, 83 years, 11 months, 18 days old, went home to Heaven on October 2, 2024 at his home with his wife by his side.
Jim was born October 14, 1940 in Prescott, AZ to George Helmer and Verda Arizona (Conner) Hanson.
Jim was a U.S. Army Veteran and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1966.
On May 16, 1964 Jim and Elaine Hoover were united in marriage in Ft. Scott, KS and together were blessed with three children.
Jim started his ministry at Ava Highway Church of the Nazarene alongside Pastor John Moles. He then moved to Aurora, MO and pastored five years at Aurora Church of the Nazarene. He then attended Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO. Shortly thereafter he was called to pastor Church of the Nazarene in Globe, AZ, where he received his ordination and preached for 14 ½ years.
He then retired and moved back to Ava, Missouri in 2003.
Jim loved music, sports, baseball, especially the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed fishing with his son, Jimmy and his grandkids. His other favorite passtime was talking over the phone with Jimmy about sports. He and Elaine also enjoyed traveling in the mini-van to many locations. Jim also had the opportunity to go on work and witness trips to Costa Rica and Ecuador and mission work at Apache San Carlos Arizona Reservation. Jim was devoted to his Lord and he adored all his family. He truly was the #1 Husband, Dad, and Grandpa!
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jimmy Hanson; and his sister, Karen Kramer.
Jim is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Jolaine Marrs and Charyl and Russell Harbaugh, and daughter-in-law, Gina Hanson; five grandchildren, Markus & Whitney, Kayla & Brett, Jonathan & Anisa, Daniel, and Brandon & Emma; 8 great grandchildren, Maylee, Casten, Grayson, Kadence, Jack, Slate, Adalyn, and Winnie; siblings, Gary & Deana Hanson, John & Rebecca Hanson, Kristine Hanson, and Vanea Hanson; many nieces; nephews; extended family and numerous friends.
Funeral services for Jim will be Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Highway Church of the Nazarene in Ava, MO with burial following in the Mt. Zion Cemetery with full military honors by the Troy Herd American Legion Post 112 and U.S. Army. Visitation will be prior to the service on Saturday at 1:00 P.M. in the church. Officiating will be Pastor Brian Letsinger and Pastor Russell Harbaugh. Memorials may be made to the Gideon’s International. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.
