James Arthur Hanna, Sr

James Arthur Hanna, Sr. On March 30, 2010, the Lord took a true gentleman home on angel’s wings. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:8 “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” Alzheimer's didn't win the battle; the Lord just took him home. Jim was born on May 30, 1928, to the late John F. and Ina L. Hanna, and in Council Grove, Kansas. At thirteen years old he moved to California, where he completed high school. Jim joined the U.S. Air Force in 1949 and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base. Upon his completion, he worked diligently to support his family and retire from Northup Grumman Ship Systems (Ingalls) in 1990, after 39 years. After retiring he and his wife Mary Hanna, whom he adored, settled in Superior, NE, and resided there until his passing. While in Superior his love for railroads become his hobby, and he would often be seen on the East side of Superior waiting for the trains to come in. At one time, he was even featured in a story in USA Today, on the railroads of Nebraska. He would, at times, be seen with a grandchild in tow, showing off his love of trains. He drove a taxi for the "railroaders", taking them to Newton, KS and back in Superior, NE for a few years, before becoming ill. He also loved working with wood and often made pieces of furniture for Mary and other members of his family. All who knew Jim loved and adored him as he was a true man of honor, dignity, and one with great morale. His love for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren shown through even in his last days. He was most honored to have a great grandson, Little Jimmy, named after him and to also carry on the Hanna name. Many knew him as “Paw paw” or “Uncle Jim”, but no matter the name he held up to the honor of that which he was called. Proceeding him in death were his previous wife and children’s mother Bertha Hanna; his parents, John F. and Ina L. Hanna; a brother John Hanna; sisters Barbara Siron and Clara Belle McElley; his sons James A. Hanna Jr. and Douglas Green. He leaves to cherish his many fond and loving memories, his wife and devoted loving caregiver until death, Mary J. Hanna of Superior, NE; four sons, Jeff (Mildred “Ginger”) Hanna of Mobile, AL, John Hanna of Hurley, MS, Lonnie Hanna of Hurley, MS, and Mike Hanna of Hurley, MS; two daughters, Virginia Hanna Shephard of Hurley, MS and Derita Burris of Superior, NE. Also cherishing many fond memories are two grandsons; Ronald (Angela) Shephard and Daniel (Leslie) Hanna;all of his many beloved "girls", also known as granddaughters, April Burris Lizana, Crystal Hanna (Wes) Williams, Leslie Hanna, Jennifer Hanna, Jamie (Tony) Hand, Hannah Burris, and Jenna Hanna. Jim was also the great grandfather of Payton, Taylor, and Lil Jimmy Hanna, Levi Lizana, Ashlyn Holland, Alyssa and Anabel Hand, Crimson and Alex Shephard. Also leaving behind a sister Sue Hanna of Washington; sister in laws, Carol Larson of St. Francis, Kansas, Frances Beckner of Goodland, Kansas, Jan (Austin) King of Burlington, Colorado, Sue (Bill) Sporing and Ruth (Earl) Studer of Superior, Nebraska; and one brother in law, James Copper of Superior. Jim left behind a host of other relatives and friends. We will all cherish the memories he left behind. Many thanks to Hospice for their God gifted care. The kids, grandkids, and family thank you from the bottom of our hearts for accepting some of the load from a tired, weary and loving wife. Your blessing will come! "Lean not unto your own understanding, but in ALL ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-7 Visitation will be Monday, April 5, 2010. Friends may visit from six until eight o’clock in the evening at Holder Wells Funeral Home 4007 Main St. Moss Point, MS. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at two o’clock with Brother Kimothy Lizana officiating. Burial will follow at Serene Memorial Gardens in Escatawpa. Arrangements by Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, Mississippi.

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James Arthur Hanna, Sr

May 30, 1928 - March 30, 2010