James William Hanson

life story

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend James (Jim) William Hanson on November 13, 2023. Please join us for a memorial service on Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 p.m. at New River Assembly of God Church, 240 Spates Ave, Red Wing, MN 55066. A reception will follow in the church hall.

James William Hanson, age 87, of Glenwood City, WI passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones, on November 13, 2023.

Born August 24, 1936, in the town of Canton Nelson, WI, James was the son of Palmer and Harriet (Beth) Hanson. He joked that he was born at home so he could be close to his mother. He graduated from Pepin High School in 1954 and married Edith Elaine Holt on October 27, 1956, at the Pepin Methodist Church in Pepin, WI. Together they had six children. James worked for various companies throughout his career and retired from the Ralston Purina Company in Hager City, WI in 1990. James was known for his sense of humor and enjoyed fishing, woodworking, hunting, playing cards, watching westerns, camping, spending time with his family and traveling with his late wife.

James believed the most notable things about him weren’t his accomplishments. They were his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and his family. He wanted everyone to know that in this world of darkness, chaos and uncertainty, Jesus Christ brings light to darkness and an unwavering peace when things seem so chaotic and uncertain. He believed in Christ he became a new creation because Jesus saves the lost and brings transformation and a new life. Regarding his family, he believed God blessed him with a quiver full of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He looked forward to the visits from his family and felt blessed to be able to spend time with them. He also felt thankful that his children were so involved in his life to the very end.

James spent the last months of his life working to bring peace and restoration to strained and estranged relationships that had been harmed over the years and wanted to apologize to and ask forgiveness from anyone he hurt. One of his greatest regrets was to be estranged from his sister for so long and he wanted others to learn from his mistakes, so they don’t have the same regret. For many years he felt justified for the estranged relationships because he too had been hurt, but in the quiet moments when he felt the Holy Spirit around him preparing him for death, he knew that none of that mattered to God. He said there was an urgency to forgive and make things right and he knew it wasn’t an option. He fully and deeply understood the implications and meaning during those moments of “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt 6:14-15). He said if we truly believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, as difficult as it is we must forgive, we must let go of the hurt and hold no record of wrongs if that is what we want Christ to do for us. He said it took him a lifetime to learn, but when faced with death, forgiveness brought him freedom, peace, and reassurance. He said when our lives are near the end, there is an internal urging, almost a compulsion to attempt to heal broken relationships and make things right the best way we can (Matt. 5:23-24) because we don’t know when our time will come. He learned through this time that those broken relationships were important to God all along. He said, even though we don’t deserve it, Jesus Christ gave his life for us, those who receive the gospel, as a sin offering in the most violent way so we could be forgiven, so that even though our sins are as scarlet, they may be white as snow.

James is survived by his children David, Lynn (Linda), Paul, Kimberly (Daniel) Rice, Melissa Klenke and Jennifer Johnson, and Sister Audrey Helmueller. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, one nephew, two nieces, his special friend Pauline Payzant, and many extended family members.

James is preceded in death by his parents Palmer and Beth Hanson and Edith Elaine, his wife of 53 years.

The family of James wishes to extend our sincere thanks to staff at the Havenwood Assisted Living Facility in Glenwood City, WI; staff at the Hudson branch of St. Croix Hospice, and Jackie Meixner for the care they provided for our dad.

memorial service

Memorial Service

December 17, 2023

New River Assembly of God Church 240 Spates Ave, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA

A reception will follow in the church hall. A private family burial will occur in spring at the Maiden Rock Cemetery, Maiden Rock, WI.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services