James Arthur Hanson was born on April 22, 1940 to Lowell Hanson Sr. and Marge (Johnson) Hanson. He passed away on Sept. 6, 2023 at his son’s in South Carolina. He was born and raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1958. He joined the Navy after graduation. Jim was stationed in Antartica and on a stop over in New Zealand he met his first wife Gillian Hardman. He was stationed in California, then he was stationed in Guam. During his time in the Navy he was involved in secret missions, one in India which he had to be debriefed by Pres. Nixon, then another involving Henry Kissinger. He was part of the National Honor Guard that welcomed dignitaries from around the world. He retired as a Navy Master Chief, for most it takes 30 years to acquire that rank, but due to special services he got that rank in 15 years. He retired in Guam where he met his wife April Clark. They moved back to the US in 1988, settling in Clearwater, FL, where they lived until shortly before his death in South Carolina. He was a master diver, woodworker, making his own canoe, and loved their RV and the many camping friends they made.

James Hanson

Jim was preceded in death by his father Lowell Hanson Sr., his mother Marge Huggins, stepmother Lorraine Hanson, stepfathers Irv Olson and Lee Huggins. Brothers David Hanson and Lowell “Buddy” Hanson Jr. and several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife April Hanson; children, Cindy, Jeannette, Jerod, Mark (Melanie) Hurst and Monica (Rob) Andrews, and 5 grandchildren. Sisters – Carole Geremina and Andrea (Mike) Jensen. Brothers – Tom Olson, Jack Olson, Bruce (Chrissie) Hanson. Several nieces and nephews who dearly loved Uncle Jim, cousins, and his camping friends.

A private family memorial service will be held with military honors.